CJP urges Wangchuk to end fast, Wangchuk writes to govt saying he'll stop if protesters face no action
In a Nutshell:
- CJP has asked Wangchuk to end his hunger strike and focus on his health.
- Wangchuk said he needs a clear government assurance that protesters will not face punitive legal action before ending his fast.
- CJP pledged to continue the movement until its demands, including accountability over the NEET paper leak, are met.
Why it Matters
The student movement is no longer centred on one hunger strike. As protests spread and CJP vows to continue even without Wangchuk fasting, the issue is shifting from an examination controversy to a larger standoff over accountability, the right to protest, and how the government responds to dissent. Wangchuk's demand for protection from legal action shows that fear of retaliation has become part of the movement itself.
What We Think
This stopped being just an exam scandal the moment protesters including Wangchuk had to ask the government for assurance that exercising their right to protest would not lead to punishment. Fixing a paper leak is an administrative task. But when students begin worrying less about unfair exams and more about the consequences of speaking out, the government faces a much bigger crisis than fixing an examination system. The biggest test of democracy right now is whether citizens can actually demand accountability from the BJP-led government without fear of detentions, attacks from police with batons and tear gas, and internet shutdowns.
