Kiran Rao backs Sonam Wangchuk, urges government to hold talks

Filmmaker Kiran Rao has expressed solidarity with activist Sonam Wangchuk who has been holding an indefinite hunger strike since he joined the Cockroach Janata Party’s (CJP) protests that demanded Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation citing irregularities in the NEET exams on June 28.

On Thursday, she shared a picture of the activist on her Instagram handle saying “I support Sonam”, stating it was distressing for her to witness “complete silence” despite Wangchuk’s hunger strike and urging the government to enter into a dialogue with the protestors.

She urged the government to "enter into a dialogue with the protestors".


Read More: Aamir Khan: '3 Idiots' not based on Sonam Wangchuk

She wrote, "I stand in solidarity with Sonam Wangchuk, Abhijeet Dipke, the CJP, and all the citizens of this country, young and old, who are protesting for the rights of our students. My salaams to Sonam ji, Neha, Maneesh, Ameen and all the others for undertaking a hunger strike to make sure that justice is served. Our nation is indebted to you for shaking us out of our apathy and reminding us that every voice counts."

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kiran Rao (@raodyness)

"It is so distressing to witness the complete silence that this hunger strike has been met with, even after 19 days. What will it take for those in power to listen to the people? ... it is shocking and inhumane.

"I urge the government to enter into a dialogue with the protestors, to understand the pain of the students, and end this impasse. We the people have a right to be heard," she added.