New Delhi: Activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike in the early hours of Friday after the Centre assured that no legal action would be initiated against those who participated in peaceful protests at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar and the July 20 march to Parliament. The development came after prolonged negotiations between government representatives and leaders associated with the protest movement, paving the way for Wangchuk to conclude his fast at Gurugram’s Medanta Hospital.
Wangchuk, who had launched the indefinite hunger strike on June 28 to demand accountability over examination paper leaks and comprehensive reforms in the country’s education system, broke his fast in the presence of Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda and Union Minister Jitendra Singh. Visuals from the hospital showed the two ministers helping him take a sip of soup, while his wife, Gitanjali Angmo, stood beside him.
Announcing the decision through a social media post shortly after midnight, Wangchuk said he had finally ended his fast after extensive discussions with the government. He stated that the decision was taken after “long negotiations on various conditions” and keeping in mind the possibility of violence in the country. He also assured supporters that he would soon release a detailed video explaining the conditions under which he agreed to end the agitation. At the same time, he appealed to people to remain vigilant and ensure that protests continue peacefully without any violence.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Wangchuk’s decision and wished him a speedy recovery. In a message shared online, the Prime Minister urged the activist to follow the advice of doctors and regain the weight he had lost during the prolonged fast. He also prayed for Wangchuk’s good health.
The Centre’s assurances were formally communicated by Union Minister J.P. Nadda at Medanta Hospital before Wangchuk ended his fast. According to the government, no cases would be registered against individuals who peacefully protested at Jantar Mantar or participated in the march to Parliament on July 20. The government also reiterated its commitment to addressing examination-related issues, including discussions in Parliament on reforms aimed at preventing paper leaks and strengthening the examination system.
In addition, the Centre assured that it was positively considering suitable compensation for the families of students who allegedly died by suicide following the recent NEET examination paper leak controversy. The assurances came shortly after the government announced several measures to tackle examination irregularities, including the removal of the Education Secretary, the establishment of fast-track courts to ensure speedy trials in paper leak cases, and Prime Minister Modi’s commitment to taking strict action against those responsible for compromising the integrity of competitive examinations.
In a video message released after ending his fast, Wangchuk said the assurances were secured after nearly two days of intense negotiations with government representatives. He described the outcome as a significant step forward and outlined three key commitments made by the Centre. These include a parliamentary discussion on accountability within the examination system, adequate compensation for families affected by alleged NEET-related student suicides, and protection from legal action for peaceful protesters.
Reacting to the development, Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), expressed relief and gratitude that Wangchuk had ended his fast. He praised the activist’s determination, saying his willingness to risk his own life had awakened the conscience of the nation. However, Dipke clarified that the CJP would continue to press its demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, maintaining that accountability for the paper leak controversy remained essential.
Wangchuk’s health had become a matter of growing concern during the protest. After being removed from the Jantar Mantar protest site by authorities last week, he was shifted to Delhi’s Safdarjung Hospital. However, he refused to end his fast there. Subsequently, his wife approached the Delhi High Court, alleging inadequate medical care and negligence at the government-run hospital. Following the court’s intervention, Wangchuk was transferred to Medanta Hospital in Gurugram, where he eventually concluded the fast.
Medical updates indicated that the activist had lost at least 11 kilograms during the 26-day hunger strike. Doctors are expected to closely monitor his recovery and gradually restore his nutritional intake over the coming weeks.
This was not Wangchuk’s first prolonged fast. In 2024, he undertook a 21-day hunger strike in the harsh climatic conditions of Ladakh, surviving only on water and salt while demanding constitutional safeguards to protect the region’s environment and resources. Last year, he was also detained for several months under the National Security Act following protests in Ladakh over statehood and Sixth Schedule demands.
