CJP protest: 3 students on hunger strike with Sonam Wangchuk end indefinite fast

Three student leaders associated with the Centre for Public Policy (CJP) ended their 23-day hunger strike at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on Monday after being persuaded by a delegation of parliamentarians, legal experts, and public figures. The group included Manoj Jha, Rajaram Singh, Amra Ram, Dr. Yogendra Yadav, advocate Prashant Bhushan, Prof. Atul Sood, actor Prakash Raj, and actress Shabana Azmi. The students, Neha Bora, Manish Kumar, and Aameen Amitoj, had been fasting continuously since early June, losing more than 12% of their body weight and suffering from dangerously low blood sugar levels and organ stress. Their prolonged fast was part of a broader protest demanding educational reforms, transparency in exams, and accountability for systemic failures in the Indian education system. The delegation’s intervention came amid growing pressure on the government to address concerns raised by the CJP, which has been leading protests against the National Testing Agency (NTA) and the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. According to AISA, the All India Students' Association, the students’ efforts have drawn attention to issues such as exam malpractice, lack of oversight, and the impact of policy changes on students’ futures. The organization plans to continue its campaign against Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, NTA, and NEP 2020 throughout the upcoming parliamentary session. It also aims to highlight the students’ struggles and push for greater governmental responsiveness. In addition to the hunger strike resolution, activists affiliated with the CJP prepared for a planned “Chalo Sansad” march toward Parliament. Gitanjali Angmo, wife of activist Sonam Wangchuk, outlined the key objectives for the day. She emphasized the importance of maintaining peaceful conduct during the demonstration and focusing on the core issue of education. “We will focus on this march. Three points are very important today,” she said. “First, we will focus on conducting the march peacefully. Let us stay focused on the issue, the issue of education, which is a vital need for this country, and remain vigilant.” Sonam Wangchuk, a prominent figure in the movement, had previously undertaken a 20-day hunger strike and was later moved to Safdarjung Hospital. His participation in the current protests has been central to the CJP’s strategy. On Monday, he reiterated that he would end his own hunger strike if the government takes responsibility for recent failures in the education system, including alleged paper leaks, or if members of parliament commit to addressing these issues during the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament. CJP spokesperson Saurav Das expressed cautious optimism about potential dialogue with the government. He noted that while the administration had recently attempted to initiate talks, there was still no clear direction or commitment from the government. “The ball is in their court,” Das said. “They have come very late, but we have opened our hearts and said that we are willing to talk to them. There has been no clarity from their side as of now.” As the protests continue, the situation remains fluid. Activists are preparing for the “Chalo Sansad” march, which is expected to take place despite uncertainty around police clearance and logistical challenges. With thousands gathering near Jantar Mantar, the movement shows no signs of abating, underscoring the deepening divide between student activists and the authorities over educational reforms and governance.