NEW DELHI — Returning to Ladakh following the conclusion of a high-profile agitation in the national capital, prominent climate activist Sonam Wangchuk offered high praise for the Indian Railways while delivering a subtle yet pointed reminder to the Union government regarding its commitments to protesting students.
Sharing a video on social media platform X during his return journey via the Vande Bharat Express, Wangchuk complimented the national carrier for its service standards and infrastructure. However, he paired his appreciation with a cryptic message highlighting the gap between infrastructural achievements and government promises.
“AM PROUD OF INDIAN RAILWAYS. Want to be proud of Indian (govt) promises too…” Wangchuk posted, calling rail travel his preferred mode of transport and describing his journey between Delhi and Srinagar aboard the Vande Bharat Express as remarkably pleasant.
A Reminder Over Student Demands
While expressing satisfaction with the country's transport modernization, Wangchuk seized the opportunity to draw attention back to the recent student demonstrations at Jantar Mantar concerning the NEET-UG paper leak controversy.
Welcoming the ongoing deliberations in Parliament over exam paper leaks, the activist urged the central government to strictly abide by the written assurances provided to the student union representatives and political groups leading the demonstration. He specifically emphasized the condition that no legal proceedings or punitive actions be initiated against young demonstrators.
“Do not file FIRs and honor the trust of the youth,” Wangchuk said, reminding authorities that dropping cases against peaceful participants was a core prerequisite for calling off the agitation.
Background on the Agitation
The 36-day student-led protest concluded after the central government agreed to several key demands, including structural reforms within the National Testing Agency (NTA), the establishment of an expert committee to overhaul examination processes, and the withdrawal of legal cases filed against peaceful demonstrators.
Wangchuk had joined the agitation in late June, undergoing a 26-day fast in support of the students before requiring hospitalization. He formally ended his hunger strike after official assurances were communicated by the government.
