Cotton University students stage protest in support of Sonam Wangchuk, seek Education Minister’s resignation
Guwahati, July 20: Students of Cotton University staged a protest outside the university gate on Sunday afternoon, expressing solidarity with education reform activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike for over 20 days demanding accountability over alleged irregularities in the country’s examination system and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Wangchuk, who began his fast at New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on June 28, was shifted to Safdarjung Hospital by Delhi Police on July 18 after his health deteriorated.
Around 25 students participated in the demonstration, holding placards and raising slogans in support of Wangchuk and calling for reforms in the education system.
Speaking to Guwahati Times, one of the protesters said, “Sonam Wangchuk has been on a hunger strike for nearly 20 days, but the government has yet to respond to his demands. We have joined this protest in solidarity with him and to demand the protection of students’ future, the education system, democratic rights, civil liberties and educational rights. We urge the government to fulfil the demands of the protesters.”
Another Cotton University student said, “India is the world’s largest democracy, but the government has failed to address the concerns of students and the public. We stand in solidarity with Sonam Wangchuk and urge the government to protect democratic rights, listen to the voices of students, and respond to the demands being raised across the country.”
The student further added, “We have been demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, asking why there has been no accountability over the NEET paper leak. While this issue remains unresolved, our Prime Minister is busy with foreign tours. Our Education Minister appears irresponsible. We elected this government to be accountable, but it has failed to answer key questions concerning students.”
Continuing, the student said, “Students across India are demanding accountability over the NEET paper leak that affected thousands of aspirants. We are asking the Prime Minister and the Education Ministry to listen to our simple demand, justice for the affected students.”
The protest in Guwahati comes amid growing nationwide demonstrations in support of Wangchuk and the student-led movement. On Sunday, thousands of protesters participating in the “Chalo Sansad” march in New Delhi attempted to march towards Parliament, demanding reforms in the education system and the resignation of the Union Education Minister. The march witnessed clashes after police used tear gas and baton charges to stop protesters from advancing. The demonstrations intensified following Wangchuk’s removal from Jantar Mantar and his admission to Safdarjung Hospital, a move that sparked widespread reactions from students and civil society groups across the country.
The protest concluded peacefully, with participants reiterating their demands and urging the Central Government to initiate dialogue with Sonam Wangchuk, ensure accountability in the examination system, and address the concerns raised by students across the country.
