US-based advocacy groups back Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike

US-based advocacy groups, including Hindus for Human Rights and the Azadi Project, expressed solidarity with Sonam Wangchuk over his hunger strike in New Delhi. The groups urged the Indian government to engage with protesters and address concerns over alleged examination irregularities.

Washington: Activists from US-based advocacy groups gathered to express solidarity with Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on a hunger strike in New Delhi over alleged irregularities in the examination system, including NEET.

Activists from Hindus for Human Rights and the Azadi Project gathered at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi near the Indian Embassy in Washington on Friday evening with placards carrying slogans in support of Wangchuk.

---

The activists also raised slogans against the Indian government and demanded the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Climate activist Wangchuk began an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar on June 28, demanding the resignation of Pradhan over alleged irregularities in examinations.

Earlier this week, Hindus for Human Rights urged the Indian government to reach out to Wangchuk and other protesters who are on a hunger strike.

“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 in an open letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“The government must meet the protesters now, answer for the failures that brought them here, and act before indifference takes a life,” Sunita Viswanath, Executive Director of Hindus for Human Rights, said in a statement.

The group also appealed to Wangchuk and the fasting students to prioritise their health and lives.

“Their concerns have been heard by people across India and around the world. They should not be required to sacrifice their health to demonstrate the seriousness of their demands,” the group said.