NEW DELHI: Delhi University (DU) on Thursday appealed to climate activist Sonam Wangchuk to end his indefinite fast, while welcoming Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s decision to set up fast-track courts to ensure speedy trials in paper leak cases.In a post on its official X handle, the university said, “We welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji’s decision to set up fast-track courts to ensure exemplary punishment for those involved in the paper leaks. This thoughtful decision shows that the GoI places youth at the heart of its functioning.”“In the spirit of harmony and healing, we earnestly request Shri Sonam Wangchuk ji to end his fast in the interest of our students. Our students’ future is the future of our nation,” it said.Meanwhile, social media posts by some college principals backing Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan drew criticism from sections of teachers and students.Rajdhani College shared a post expressing support for the Union education minister, but later deleted it and issued a public apology.In its clarification, the college administration said it “deeply regrets” the post shared from its official social media handle, adding that it stands with students and that corrective measures are being taken to ensure such an incident is not repeated.However, a similar post remains on the official X handle of the principal of Shaheed Bhagat Singh College.The post reads, “We stand with Hon’ble Education Minister Sh. Dharmendra Pradhan for his commitment to implementing NEP and modernising India’s education system. Those responsible for the paper leak have already been arrested and are facing strict action. Let us strengthen institutions, not weaken them.”The posts have sparked criticism from sections of teachers and students, who questioned educational institutions taking a public position on a politically contentious issue.Abha Dev Habib, a faculty member at Miranda House, said the protesting students were seeking answers rather than political endorsements.“The protesting students just want answers, whether that is from the Union minister or from institutions like Delhi University. The university should instead focus on addressing the uncertainty surrounding the National Education Policy and the UGCF,” she said.Reflecting on the sudden appearance of support posts by authorities, Habib added, “Something disturbing is certainly stirring in the university atmosphere”.The developments come amid the ongoing protest at Jantar Mantar, where students and youth organisations have been demanding Pradhan’s resignation over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has been on an indefinite fast in support of the protesters’ demands.(With inputs from PTI)
