Assam: Bodo students' body urges Sonam Wangchuk to end fast, calls for talks with Centre

The All Bodo Students' Union (ABSU) has appealed to social activist and educationist Sonam Wangchuk to withdraw his indefinite hunger strike while urging the Centre to immediately open dialogue and resolve the ongoing agitation at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.

 

Addressing the media in Kokrajhar, ABSU president Khwrwmdao Wary said Wangchuk's health should not be put at further risk, even as the movement for students' rights continues. Wangchuk has been on an indefinite hunger strike for 18 days as part of the protest over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination.

 

Wary said the student body supports the peaceful democratic movement and believes the concerns raised by Wangchuk deserve serious attention from the government.

 

"We support the democratic movement taking place at Jantar Mantar," Wary said, adding that Wangchuk has been raising "important issues concerning education and students' rights".

 

Describing Wangchuk as a climate activist, educationist and recipient of the Upendranath Brahma Soldier of Humanity Award, Wary said he had "truly lived up to that honour through his commitment to humanity".

 

He said Wangchuk has consistently highlighted the need for transparency in education policy and the error-free conduct of competitive examinations, describing them as issues that directly affect the future of millions of students.

 

Calling the demands genuine, Wary appealed to the Government of India to engage with the protest leaders and work towards a solution through dialogue.

 

"We appeal to the Government of India to respond positively and engage in dialogue... so that meaningful solutions can be found," he said.

 

The ABSU chief also urged Wangchuk to prioritise his health and end the indefinite fast, saying his leadership remains crucial for the long-term struggle for students' rights.

 

"We request Sonam Wangchuk ji to take care of his health and withdraw his hunger strike," Wary said, adding that "we need him to remain with us as a soldier of humanity" and continue leading the movement.

 

Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court agreed to hear a public interest litigation concerning Wangchuk's health on July 16 after noting the urgency of the matter. The petition seeks immediate medical assistance for the activist and requests that the authorities to initiate talks with him, arguing that his prolonged hunger strike requires urgent intervention while reaffirming the right to peaceful protest.