Peace is only my way: Wangchuk blames antisocial elements for NEET protest violence

Sonam Wangchuk appealed for calm during the NEET-UG paper leak protests and asked demonstrators to stay peaceful. He said he would end his fast only if the Centre assured that no force or FIRs would be used against students.He added that 65 MPs from different political parties had urged him to end his fast. (Credits: PTI)Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk on Thursday appealed for calm amid the ongoing protests over the NEET-UG paper leak, urging demonstrators to remain peaceful despite reports of violence at some locations.In a post on X, Wangchuk said he was saddened to learn that antisocial elements were trying to provoke violence even as the main protest at Jantar Mantar remained peaceful."PEACE & ONLY PEACE IS MY WAY...""While at Jantar Mantar the protests remain peaceful, I'm pained to learn that elsewhere some antisocial elements are taking advantage of the peaceful protests to provoke violence," he wrote.Appealing to protesters not to retaliate, Wangchuk added, "No matter what the other side does, our response must only be flowers. Please keep this tradition at all costs." Wangchuk's appeal came a day after he said he was ready to end his indefinite hunger strike if the Centre assured him that no force would be used against protesting students and that no FIRs or other punitive action would be initiated against them.In a video message from Gurugram hospital, Wangchuk, who appeared visibly frail, said he had lost around 11 kg during the 25-day fast but wanted to return to his work. "I am still alive. This is the 25th day of my fast. I have lost around 11 kg of weight. I have lost muscles. But I am alright," he said."I want to start my work, but I request the government not to use force again on students and do not file any charges or FIRs. If I get that assurance, I will break my fast today. If no assurance comes, I will be forced to continue it," he added.Wangchuk said he decided to continue the fast after the police action during Monday's 'Chalo Sansad' march organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP).Calling the police action "brutal", he praised students for maintaining restraint despite provocation. "I want to appreciate all the students who received batons but did not attack, even though they were provoked and people were brought to do stone pelting," he said.LETTER TO CENTREIn a letter addressed to Union ministers J P Nadda and Jitendra Singh, Wangchuk said the two leaders had met him at the hospital and assured him that the Centre would positively consider compensation for families of students who died by suicide following the NEET paper leak, and hold a meaningful discussion in Parliament on examination reforms and accountability, including considering the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.However, Wangchuk said he would end his fast only after receiving a clear assurance that no action would be taken against protesting students."Their only 'offence' has been to raise their voice for a fair and accountable education system," he wrote.Sharing the letter on X, Wangchuk said that once such an assurance was received, he would also appeal to students to suspend the agitation and enter into dialogue with the government.He added that 65 MPs from different political parties, along with several Union ministers, had urged him to end his fast, saying he was needed for the country's future.Wangchuk has been on an indefinite hunger strike since June 28 after joining the CJP-led agitation demanding accountability over irregularities in competitive examinations, reforms in the education system and the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. He is currently undergoing treatment at a Gurugram Hospital after being shifted from Safdarjung Hospital following a Delhi High Court order.- EndsPublished By: Ritaban MisraPublished On: Jul 23, 2026 22:34 IST