As Wangchuk eases terms for ending hunger strike, CJP expands its list of demands

As climate activist Sonam Wangchuk eased his terms for ending his hunger strike as it entered its 24th day, the Cockroach Janta Party on Wednesday toughened its demands and expanded them with a fresh one – action against police officials involved in atrocities against protesters.

Following his meeting with Union Minister JP Nadda and Minister of State (MoS) Dr Jitendra Singh at Medanta Hospital where he was shifted from Safdarjung Hospital, Wangchuk said that he will end his hunger strike if the government assures him that no legal action would be taken against the protesting students.

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The language of his appeal to the government also reflected his softened stance as he went from seeking Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation to adjusting for the government’s “consideration” of it.

However, shortly after Sonam Wangchuk said he was ready to end his hunger strike if the government assured him that no legal action would be taken against the protesting students demanding accountability over the NEET-UG paper leak.

“CJP will continue its protests until the Government accepts its demands for: 1. Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation 2. Rs 1 crore compensation for families of children who died by suicide 3. NO PROSECUTION OF PEACEFUL PROTESTERS,” the CJP said on X.

The outfit also made another addition to its list of demands – “All police officials involved in committing atrocities must be prosecuted.”

This comes after Union Minister JP Nadda invited CJP leaders for talks at his residence.

However, the protest leaders refused to go to his residence and instead asked the minister to either come to Jantar Mantar or to a neutral venue.

“A “janta darbar” is being held at Jantar Mantar. If ministers want to talk, they must come to the people…We are not going to anyone’s closed doors or private homes. If security is a concern, we are open to a neutral venue near Jantar Mantar,” said the CJP.

The talks between the protesters and the government could not be held today.