Students’ anger continues at Jantar Mantar over the NEET paper leak and exam malpractice. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk’s indefinite hunger strike has added a new edge to the movement amid demands for the Education Minister’s resignation.
New Delhi: The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP)’s protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar against the alleged exam malpractice and paper leak entered its 16th day on Sunday, July 5. Protesters continue to demand the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and accountability of the government. Meanwhile, this was the eighth day of renowned climate activist Sonam Wangchuk’s indefinite hunger strike. Due to this rigorous fast, he has lost approximately 6 kg.
According to a health bulletin issued by doctors, Wangchuk’s blood pressure while lying down was recorded at 112/70 mm Hg. Her heart rate remains at 72 beats per minute and her blood sugar level is 67 mg/dL.
The medical report clearly states that her hydration is normal and she is mentally alert. However, her current weight has dropped to 60.95 kg, representing a loss of approximately six kg in seven days.
The CJP has been demanding the resignation of the Education Minister. They allege that repeated exam irregularities and paper leaks have ruined the lives of countless students and their families.
In this regard, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke informed on the social media platform ‘X’ that on Sunday (July 5), the parents of NEET candidate Riya Kumari Thapa arrived at the protest site. The organization claims that Riya’s dreams were shattered due to the alleged paper leak, leading to her tragic death.
Dipke explained that Riya’s father is a former soldier and joined the protest with the plea that no other family should suffer the pain that his family has endured. He urged the central government to ensure that such incidents do not recur in the future.
In another post, the CJP clarified that it stands firmly with Thapa’s parents in this hour of grief and will continue to fight against the corrupt system that failed their daughter.
The National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) for admission to medical colleges was held on May 3, but was cancelled amid serious allegations of paper leaks. A re-examination was subsequently held on June 21.
On the other hand, the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) has already expressed its support for the CJP’s movement. The farmers’ organization is now sending a delegation to Jantar Mantar on July 7. Earlier, in its letter to the CJP, the SKM had stated that its delegation would visit the protest site on Sunday (July 6).
The farmers’ body expressed solidarity with the agitating students and youth, stating that a transparent, fair, and credible examination system is every student’s fundamental right and that it is the government’s duty to ensure accountability.
On a separate platform at the protest site, several members of the left-wing student organization, the All India Students Association (AISA), are also continuing their indefinite hunger strike. On Saturday (July 4), Danish Ali, joint secretary of the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students Union (JNUSU), had to be admitted to Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital.
On the seventh day of the hunger strike, her blood sugar level dropped dangerously to 46 mg/dL.
Meanwhile, Neha, Manish, Rishikesh, Deepak Kumar Verma, and Amin continue their indefinite fast at the protest site. The CJP’s protest, which began on June 20th over alleged irregularities in the country’s examination system, has already garnered widespread support from several prominent political leaders, social activists, and members of civil society.
Rajan Chaudhary
Courtesy: Hindi News