Sonam Wangchuk ends her hunger strike; PM Modi assures stricter action on paper leaks – key developments | News from India

Sonam Wangchuk ends her hunger strike; PM Modi pushes for Bill to introduce fast-track courts against paper leaks

NEW DELHI: Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk on Friday morning ended her 26-day hunger strike after the Center assured her of action on key demands related to student protests, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the government would introduce a new bill with strict provisions against exam paper leaks in a late-night video. The bill, which provides for fast-track legal proceedings and tougher punishment for violators, will be discussed by the Union Cabinet on Friday before being presented in Parliament next week.

Wangchuk ends 26-day hunger strike

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk ended her indefinite hunger strike shortly after midnight at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram in the presence of Union ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh. He said the decision followed prolonged negotiations with the government and was taken “in view of possible violence in the country.”“Just now, in the presence of Union Ministers JP Nadda and Dr Jitendra Singh and senior leaders of the apex body of Leh Ladakh, I finally broke my fast after 26 days. Earlier, 65 MLAs from different political parties had visited me or signed letters urging me to break the fast. This was done after a long negotiation on various conditions and in view of the possible violence in the country. In the meantime, I urge you all to stay very vigilant not to allow any violence anywhere,” Wangchuk posted on X.Following Wangchuk’s announcement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished her a speedy recovery, saying, “I urge Sonam ji to follow her daily routine as advised by doctors and regain her weight as soon as possible.” I pray to the Almighty that Sonam ji stays healthy.Read more: Sonam Wangchuk ends hunger strike after 26 daysMeanwhile, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke expressed relief that Wangchuk had ended his hunger strike, but said the protest would continue. “We are relieved and grateful that Mr. Sonam has ended his hunger strike after 26 days. Thank you, Sir, for your extraordinary courage and sacrifice. By putting your own life on the line, you have awakened the conscience of an entire nation. Your life is far too precious to this country. The peaceful protest of the Cockroach Janta Party at Jantar Mantar will continue until Dharmendra Pradhan resigns,” he said on X.

PM Modi pushes for stricter anti-paper leak law

In a late-night video message, Prime Minister Modi announced that the government would introduce a bill with strict provisions against document leaks, including fast-track legal procedures and tougher penalties for violators. He said the proposal would be discussed by the Union Cabinet on Friday and the government would try to pass it in Parliament next week.“The Cabinet will discuss the issue of paper leaks on Friday… On Monday, when the second week of the monsoon session of Parliament begins, a bill will be introduced with provisions for strong action against paper leaks and we will try to pass it as early as possible,” PM Modi said.Terming the paper leaks “very painful” for thousands of students and their families, the Prime Minister said the government acted promptly after the alleged NEET-UG paper leak.“The culprits have been arrested. They are now in jail. Our most important responsibility was to ensure that students did not lose a year…Using all resources, the government ensured that 22 lakh students could attend the retest,” he said.PM Modi added that he had asked authorities to set up fast-track courts to ensure speedy justice and said the proposed legislation would be another step towards a “foolproof” examination system and to protect the interests of students.Read more: “Stricter actions to tackle paper leaks” – PM Modi announces fresh push for bill