Sonam Wangchuk ends 26-day hunger strike after Centre assures action on key demands

New Delhi: Activist Sonam Wangchuk has ended his 26-day indefinite hunger strike after the Centre assured him that several of his key demands would be addressed. The breakthrough came after Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh met Wangchuk at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram around midnight on Thursday and conveyed the government's assurances.

Announcing his decision in a post on X, Wangchuk wrote, "Just now in the presence of Union Ministers JP Nadda, Dr Jitendra Singh and the senior leaders of Apex Body of Leh Ladakh, I finally broke my fast after 26 days."

Reacting to the development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also posted on X, saying, "I urge Sonam ji to follow his daily routine as advised by the doctors and regain his weight as soon as possible."

"I pray to the Almighty that Sonam ji remains healthy," the Prime Minister added.

Speaking at the hospital in the presence of Wangchuk's wife Gitanjali Angmo and other leaders, Union Health Minister JP Nadda outlined the government's commitments.

"The government is positive on not registering cases against those protesting peacefully at Jantar Mantar in Delhi and those who participated in the march to Parliament on July 20, 2026," Nadda said.

He also stated that the Centre had already assured discussions in Parliament on the issue of paper leaks and reforms in the examination system.

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"Besides, the government is also positively considering suitable compensation for the suicide victims of recent NEET paper leaks," Nadda added.

Wangchuk revealed that 65 Members of Parliament from different political parties had either visited him or signed letters requesting him to end the fast.

"This was done after long negotiations on various conditions and in view of possible violence in the country. I will explain the conditions in detail in a separate video very soon. Meanwhile, I urge you all to stay very vigilant about not allowing violence of any kind anywhere," he said in his post on X.

Meanwhile, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which has been spearheading the protest at Jantar Mantar, welcomed Wangchuk's decision while making it clear that its agitation would continue until Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan steps down.

In a post on X, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke said, "We are relieved and grateful that Sonam sir has ended his hunger strike after 26 days. Thank you, sir, for your extraordinary courage and sacrifice. By putting your own life on the line, you awakened the conscience of an entire nation. Your life is far too precious to this country."

He further added, "The Cockroach Janta Party's peaceful protest at Jantar Mantar will continue until Dharmendra Pradhan resigns."

Apart from demanding Pradhan's resignation, the CJP has sought accountability over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, reforms to the education system, Rs 1 crore compensation for families of students who allegedly died by suicide following the NEET paper leak, and withdrawal of FIRs and legal action against peaceful protesters.

Wangchuk had joined the CJP-led agitation at Jantar Mantar on June 28 and began his indefinite fast in support of students demanding examination reforms, accountability over alleged irregularities in competitive exams, and the resignation of the Union Education Minister.

During the 26-day protest, Wangchuk reportedly lost around 11 kg and consistently appealed for the movement to remain peaceful despite a police crackdown on the July 20 'Sansad Chalo' march.

On July 18, Delhi Police shifted him from the protest site to Safdarjung Hospital, citing the need for medical care. His wife challenged the decision in the Delhi High Court, arguing that he was being kept at the government hospital against his wishes. The court later facilitated his transfer to Medanta Hospital in Gurugram, where he continued the hunger strike.

While undergoing treatment at Medanta, Wangchuk had said he wished to return to his students and continue his work as an educator but would not call off the fast until adequate safeguards were provided for the young protesters. (PTI)