Sonam Wangchuk Vows to Continue Fast After Government Talks

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has said he will continue his indefinite fast, even after a meeting with government representatives. The announcement came Monday as protests over education and regional demands continued in Delhi.

Talks fail to break fast

Wangchuk met with officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs over the weekend. Sources said the government offered to form a committee to look into the activists' demands. But Wangchuk called the offer insufficient.

“I will continue my fast until our core demands are met,” he told reporters after the meeting. The activist has been on hunger strike for over a week, demanding reforms in the education system for Ladakh.

Allegations of police brutality

Tensions escalated as the protests continued. The Citizens' Justice and Peace (CJP) group, which is backing Wangchuk, alleged that police assaulted his wife during a scuffle at the protest site. In a separate incident, they claimed a 12-year-old girl suffered a head injury during a police action.

Delhi Police has refuted these claims. In a statement, the force said no such assault took place and accused the CJP of spreading misinformation. A senior officer said, “Our personnel acted with restraint. We have video evidence to counter these allegations.”

Human rights body steps in

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken note of the reports. It has sought a detailed report from the Delhi Police and the city administration on the alleged injury to the minor. The NHRC said it is examining whether there was a violation of human rights during the protest.

Officials from the commission said they will also look into the wider handling of the protest. “We have asked for all relevant records and video footage,” an NHRC spokesperson said.

Education activist joins march

Amid the controversy, activist Gitanjali Angmo joined the protest march at Jantar Mantar. She urged protesters to remain peaceful and keep the focus on education. “Stay focused on education, march peacefully,” she told the crowd.

Angmo, a well-known voice for education rights in the region, said the movement must not be derailed by violence or allegations. She called for a sustained, non-violent campaign to pressure the government.

Wangchuk's fast has drawn support from various quarters. Students and teachers from Ladakh have joined the protests, demanding better schools and college access. The government has so far not agreed to any major concessions.

What happens next will depend on whether the government offers a concrete timeline for reforms. Wangchuk has said he is willing to talk, but not with an empty committee. The protest shows no signs of ending soon.