Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk claimed that union ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh met him and assured that the government would “positively consider” Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation.
In a letter addressed to Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh, Wangchuk said the assurance was given during their visit to him in hospital, where they urged him to end his indefinite fast. He also said the government had assured it would consider adequate compensation for the families of students who died by suicide following the alleged paper leak, while urging the Centre to guarantee that no legal or retaliatory action would be taken against student protesters. He said he would end his hunger strike only if the government gave an “unequivocal assurance” that no student or protester who participated in the anti-NEET movement would face punitive or retaliatory legal action.
"Therefore, I respectfully request an unequivocal assurance from the Government that none of the young protesters will face any punitive or retaliatory legal action for participating in this movement. Their only 'offence' has been to raise their voice for a fair and accountable education system," he wrote.
CJP insists on ‘neutral’ talks venue
Meanwhile, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on Wednesday said it is ready to hold talks with the government to resolve the ongoing agitation over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, but insisted that the discussions should take place at a neutral venue instead of a minister's residence.
Addressing a press briefing at the protest site, CJP chief spokesperson Saurav Das said police informed the outfit on Wednesday morning that Union Minister JP Nadda wanted to hold discussions and had invited them to his residence. “We refused to go to anyone's house or office. The people’s court is here. Ministers should come among the people. If they want to talk, the talks should be held at Jantar Mantar,” he said.
Das, however, said the movement remained open to dialogue and was willing to consider a neutral venue near the protest site if there were security concerns. “We are educated people. If there are security concerns at Jantar Mantar, we can meet at a neutral place nearby. We have always said we are ready for talks. It would be good if the issue is resolved through dialogue,” he said.
Also read: Govt ready for debate on NEET paper leak
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