ACT calls for urgent government intervention as Sonam Wangchuk’s health deteriorates

GANGTOK,: The Affected Citizens of Teesta (ACT) on Tuesday issued an urgent appeal to the Government of India regarding the rapidly deteriorating health of prominent activist and educationist, Sonam Wangchuk, who is currently on an indefinite hunger strike. The organisation expressed profound concern for his well-being and implored the government to listen to his legitimate demands.

Wangchuk began his hunger strike to draw attention to the systemic failures and alleged irregularities plaguing the nation's education system, which have jeopardized the futures of millions of students. The citizens’ collective prayer echoes his demand for the immediate removal of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan from his post.

“We are witnessing a crisis of conscience. Wangchuk’s health is failing as he sacrifices his own life for the future of our youth. The government has a moral and constitutional duty to heed the voice of the people. The demand to remove the Education Minister is not a personal attack but a necessary step to restore integrity and accountability to our education system,” stated ACT in a media statement.

This appeal comes amid widespread protests, including a significant demonstration at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar organized by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and supported by activist Sonam Wangchuk. Thousands of students, parents, and young professionals have voiced their anger over issues such as the NEET-UG paper leak, CBSE marking controversies, and the tragic suicides of students affected by these scandals.

Protesters have given the government a firm seven-day ultimatum to address their grievances and remove the minister.

The Affected citizens of Teesta said it stands in solidarity with this peaceful constitutional movement and warns that the growing frustration among the youth will only escalate if their prayers remain unheard.

The Affected Citizens of Teesta, in its media statement, urgently requested the Government of India, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Prime Minister's Office to intervene immediately. They also sought the provision of necessary medical care for Wangchuk and a swift, transparent process to address the core demand for the Education Minister’s removal to prevent further escalation and protect the future of India's students.