'We just want a fair chance': Mumbai NEET aspirants react to Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike

The controversy surrounding the alleged NEET UG 2026 paper leak has sparked concern among students across the country with many demanding greater transparency and accountability in the examination processAmid the ongoing debate climate activist Sonam Wangchuks hunger strike and calls for dialogue with the government have also drawn attention from students including NEET aspirants in MumbaiSpeaking to middaycom several students shared their views on the paper leak controversy tits impact on aspirants and whether they support Wangchuks protestThe paper leak controversy made me worried and frustratedGayatri Gaikwad a 16yearold NEET aspirant studying at Swami Vivekanand College Integrated said she has been closely following developments related to both the paper leak controversy and Wangchuks hunger strikeIve been following Sonam Wangchuks hunger strike and the NEET UG paper leak controversy through news reports and social media But as someone preparing for NEET Ive been paying more attention to the paper leak issue because it directly affects students like me It honestly made me feel worried and frustrated she saidWhile clarifying that Wangchuks protest is not directly linked to NEET Gaikwad said she supports his right to raise concerns through peaceful meansYes I support Sonam Wangchuks peaceful protest I think everyone has the right to speak up for what they believe in especially if they feel they are not being heard Even though his protest isnt about NEET I respect that hes trying to bring attention to important issues without using violence she addedAsked whether a hunger strike is an effective way to highlight concerns related to NEET aspirants Gaikwad said students are looking for concrete action from authoritiesA hunger strike can make people notice an issue but I dont think its the best way to solve NEETrelated problems What students really need is quick action from the authorities strict punishment for those involved in paper leaks and an examination system that is fair for everyone After studying so hard we just want equal opportunities We just want a fair chance she saidStudents deserve accountability and a fair systemAnother Mumbaibased NEET aspirant Anushka Kulkarni a 16yearold Class 11 student from Podar Brio International School said she has been following Wangchuks hunger strike since it beganI have been following Sonam Wangchuks hunger strike from the start she told middaycomKulkarni said she believes the concerns being raised deserve attention and discussionSonam Wangchuks demands are valid and as a NEET aspirant I support what he is doing These issues need to be heard As a student in this country I am concerned not only for myself but also for future generations This support is for students who have faced disappointment because of flaws in the system she saidAccording to Kulkarni peaceful protests remain an important democratic tool for drawing attention to public concernsI feel this is one of the few peaceful ways left to bring attention to these issues Even if it is not the perfect solution it represents a united effort by young people seeking accountability and change It is a nonviolent protest asking the authorities to listen and respond she addedThe alleged NEET UG paper leak controversy has reignited discussions around examination security fairness and student welfare with aspirants across the country continuing to call for greater transparency and stronger safeguards in the system