US-Based Advocacy Groups Express Solidarity With Sonam Wangchuk

Washington, Jul 18: Activists from US-based advocacy groups gathered near the Indian Embassy in Washington to express solidarity with climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike in New Delhi over alleged irregularities in the examination system, including NEET. Members of Hindus for Human Rights and The Azadi Project assembled at the Mahatma Gandhi statue on Friday evening, carrying placards in support of Wangchuk. The protesters also raised slogans against the Central Government and demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Wangchuk began his indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar on June 28, seeking Pradhan’s resignation over alleged examination and governance failures. Earlier this week, Hindus for Human Rights issued an open letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging the Government to engage with Wangchuk and other protesters and address their concerns through a credible and time-bound accountability process. “The Government must meet with the protesters, provide a substantive response to the examination and governance failures they have identified, and establish a credible, time-bound process for accountability,” the group said. Sunita Viswanath, Executive Director of Hindus for Human Rights, said the Government should respond before the situation worsens, while also urging Wangchuk and the fasting students to prioritise their health. The organisation said the protesters’ concerns have resonated across India and internationally, adding that they should not have to endanger their health to draw attention to their demands.