Pune: A signature campaign in support of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk’s protest over the alleged NEET paper leak drew a large number of students and youths to Balgandharva Chowk on Sunday, a day after the Delhi police shifted him to a hospital from the Jantar Mantar protest site.The participants said they gathered to express solidarity with Wangchuk, who had been on an indefinite fast demanding the resignation of Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET examination paper leak. Organisers claimed the campaign witnessed participation from students, parents and members of several local organisations.Raviraj Kale, an Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) functionary and one of the organisers, said the event was driven by public anger rather than political affiliation. “This was not a protest under the banner of any political party. Youths gathered voluntarily to express solidarity with Wangchuk. Though there were attempts by the police to disrupt it, students and youths participated in large numbers,” he said.Another participant, Anub George, said the presence of parents alongside students reflected wider public concern over the issue. “It shows people are angry over what happened in Delhi. We have planned another protest march to the district collector’s office on Tuesday,” he said.The protesters alleged that police did not allow them to raise slogans or stage a demonstration, permitting only the signature campaign. “An education minister continues in office despite several allegations, but when the country’s youths try to peacefully protest for their demands, they are stopped. What kind of democracy is this?” one of the protesters said.Amarpaul, a psychologist who participated in the protest, said students already undergo immense stress while preparing for examinations. “Those in positions of power must be held accountable. Students should not have to suffer anxiety and uncertainty because of the failure of those responsible for conducting the examination. Their demand is genuine and deserves to be heard,” he said.
