Protests in New York, San Jose in support of Ladakh activist Wangchuk
Washington : Activists from a US-based advocacy group held demonstrations in New York and San Jose to express solidarity with climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike in New Delhi over irregularities in the conduct of NEET exams and the police crackdown on student protesters.
According to Kashmir Media Service, activists from ‘Hindus for Human Rights’ gathered at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi in New York City’s Union Square and in San Jose, carrying placards bearing slogans in support of Wangchuk. The activists also raised slogans against the Indian government and demanded the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Similar solidarity demonstrations were also held outside the Indian High Commission in London and the Indian Embassy in Dublin, Hindus for Human Rights said in a statement on Tuesday.
“Our protests sent a clear message, whether in New York or London, San Jose or Dublin: India’s students deserve to be treated with fairness and dignity,” the group said in a statement. “The youth of India deserve honest answers and a future they can trust. The Indian citizenry deserves open dialogue and reform, and it is time for the Indian government to take accountability,” it added.
Earlier this week, Hindus for Human Rights urged the Indian government to reach out to Wangchuk and other protesters who are on a hunger strike over irregularities in NEET exams.
On Saturday, Wangchuk was whisked away by Delhi Police from the protest site at Jantar Mantar to Safdarjung Hospital after his health deteriorated following over three weeks of fasting. He has since been moved to a private hospital following a Delhi High Court order.
