Sonam Wangchuk protest sees three AISA student leaders conclude their indefinite hunger strike after the activist urged them to prioritise their health while the larger movement continues.
The Sonam Wangchuk protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar witnessed a significant development after three student leaders who had been on an indefinite hunger strike alongside the education reformer decided to end their fast. The decision came after Wangchuk personally appealed to them to prioritise their health while continuing to support the larger movement.
The three students, Neha Bora, Manish Kumar, and Ameen Amitoj, are leaders of the All India Students’ Association (AISA) and had joined Wangchuk’s indefinite hunger strike in support of the ongoing protest at Jantar Mantar.
Sonam Wangchuk urged students to protect their health
According to media reports, Wangchuk requested the three students to discontinue their fast, stressing that their well-being was important for sustaining the movement in the long run. Following his appeal, the students agreed to end their indefinite hunger strike while reiterating that their support for the protest and its demands would continue.
The development comes after Wangchuk himself completed a prolonged hunger strike and was later shifted to Safdarjung Hospital following health concerns.
Who are the three students?
The three students, Neha Bora, Manish Kumar, and Ameen Amitoj, are leaders of the All India Students’ Association (AISA) who had joined Wangchuk’s indefinite hunger strike in solidarity with the ongoing protest at Jantar Mantar.
Neha Bora is the National President of AISA and a PhD scholar at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU).
Manish Kumar serves as the AISA Uttar Pradesh President and is pursuing a PhD at the University of Allahabad, while Ameen Amitoj is a PhD scholar at Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University Delhi. The three students ended their fast after Wangchuk appealed to them to prioritise their health while continuing to support the movement.
All three had been participating in the indefinite fast in solidarity with Wangchuk and the broader protest seeking action over alleged examination irregularities.
Protest continues despite end of students’ fast
Although the three students have withdrawn from the hunger strike, the broader Sonam Wangchuk protest continues at Jantar Mantar. The students said they remain committed to supporting the movement despite ending their hunger strike on health grounds. Protest organisers have indicated that the movement will continue through peaceful demonstrations even as some participants discontinue their fast on health grounds.
CJP leaders meet JP Nadda, seek discussion on three key demands
Even as the protest at Jantar Mantar continued, a delegation of Campaign for Justice and Peace (CJP) leaders met BJP National President and Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda to press for action on the group’s demands. According to media reports, the delegation sought time for a detailed discussion with the government and raised three key issues concerning the ongoing movement.
The meeting came as Union Home Minister Amit Shah also held discussions with Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, coinciding with the protesters’ planned march to Parliament. While no official announcement on the demands was made immediately after the meetings, CJP leaders expressed hope that the government would engage in dialogue over the issues raised. The protest at Jantar Mantar continues even as some participants, including the three AISA student leaders, have ended their hunger strike on health grounds.
Learn More:
Why did the three students end their hunger strike?
They ended their indefinite hunger strike after Sonam Wangchuk personally appealed to them to prioritise their health while remaining part of the movement.
Who are the students who ended the hunger strike?
The three students are AISA leaders Neha Bora, Manish Kumar, and Ameen Amitoj.
Is the Sonam Wangchuk protest over?
No. While the three students have ended their fast, the broader protest at Jantar Mantar continues.
