As the Cockroach Janata Party's (CJP) protest at Jantar Mantar enters a new phase, Ladakh-based activist and education reform advocate Sonam Wangchuk has begun an indefinite hunger strike from June 28, demanding action over the alleged NET paper leaks, sweeping reforms in the education system, and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
A vocal supporter of the movement who has participated in several demonstrations in Delhi, Wangchuk's fast is expected to intensify the agitation, which has already drawn support from students, job seekers, and civil society groups seeking greater accountability and transparency from the government.
CJP Founder Abhijeet Dipke stated that on June 20, the day the protest began, Wangchuk had announced he would launch an indefinite hunger strike if the government failed to fix accountability for irregularities in the education system and if Pradhan did not resign within a week. He noted that since the government took no concrete action, the hunger strike is commencing today.
Several student leaders from AISA will participate in the hunger strike. These include AISA National President Neha, JNU Students' Union Joint Secretary Danish Ali, AISA Uttar Pradesh President Manish, Delhi University student activist Deepak, JNU student activist Rishikesh, and Ambedkar University student activist Aamin. The student leaders assert that the movement is a fight for the future of lakhs of students, a fair examination system, and transparency in the education sector.
Several student leaders from the All India Students Association (AISA) will join Wangchuk in the fast, while over 650 farmer organizations across the country have announced plans to convene a large 'Khap Panchayat' in Delhi in support of the movement. The convergence of students, farmers, and social organizations on a single platform is likely to further intensify the agitation.