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Kullu, July 20
Members of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M), the All India Democratic Women’s Association (AIDWA), the Center of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) and the Himachal Kisan Sabha staged a protest at Dhalpur in Kullu on Monday against the arrest of environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk during a demonstration at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.
The protesters termed Wangchuk’s arrest as an attack on democracy and demanded his immediate release. They also sought the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak.
Following the demonstration, the organizations submitted a memorandum to the Central Government through the Deputy Commissioner. In the memorandum, they expressed concern over the alleged injustice against students and Sonam Wangchuk, who they said had been raising his voice against irregularities in the NEET-UG examination and corruption in the education system.
Addressing the gathering, CPI(M) Himachal Pradesh Secretary Bhup Singh Bhandari demanded the immediate resignation of the Union Education Minister, holding him morally responsible for the alleged examination irregularities. He also called for the dissolution of the National Testing Agency (NTA), alleging that it had become a hub of corruption.
Bhandari further demanded a fair and impartial probe into the alleged NEET-UG paper leak and strict action against those found responsible. He also sought the immediate release of Wangchuk and called for measures to ensure his safety.
He said Wangchuk had been advocating for education reforms and environmental protection in Ladakh and had emerged as a voice for the country’s youth. Detaining him and suppressing his protest, he alleged, was against democratic principles.
The protesting organizations urged the Central Government to end the alleged crackdown on Wangchuk and consider the demands raised by him and the student community.
Sachin Sharma
