Guwahati, July 17 -- More than 160 eminent personalities from Assam, including academics, writers, journalists, former bureaucrats, retired police officers and social activists, have appealed to environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk to immediately end his hunger strike, while criticising the Union government for its response to his protest.

In a joint appeal issued on Thursday, the signatories said Wangchuk's health had deteriorated after 20 days of fasting at Jantar Mantar and urged him not to risk his life further.

According to the appeal, Wangchuk is demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged failure to prevent question paper leaks.

Describing Wangchuk as a "globally renowned environmen...