New Delhi: Social reformer and education activist Sonam Wangchuk has indicated that he is willing to end his ongoing hunger strike, but only after receiving an unequivocal assurance from the Centre that students who participated in the Chalo Sansad protest will not face legal or retaliatory action.

 

In a letter addressed to Union Health Minister J P Nadda and Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh, Wangchuk thanked them for visiting him in hospital and appealing to him to call off his fast. However, he said his decision now rests on whether the government publicly guarantees protection for the young protesters who joined the movement.

According to Wangchuk, the ministers assured him during their meeting that the government would positively consider two key demands: adequate compensation for the families of students who died by suicide following the examination paper leak, and a meaningful discussion in Parliament to ensure accountability, including consideration of the Education Minister's resignation.

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Despite what he described as a constructive meeting, Wangchuk said he could not end his fast unless the government also commits to protecting student protesters.

"I want to live. I want to return to my students, to education, and to the work that has defined my life. But I cannot do so at the cost of the very young people for whom this movement began," he wrote.

One condition before ending the hunger strike

The activist said he would end his indefinite fast if the government provides an "unequivocal assurance" that no participant in the movement would face punitive legal action or harassment.

He argued that the students' only "offence" was demanding a fair and accountable education system and warned that any retaliatory action would undermine public faith in democratic institutions.

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"If such an assurance is given, I shall end my fast," Wangchuk wrote, adding that in the absence of such a commitment he would be compelled to continue his hunger strike indefinitely.

Chalo Sansad march and police action

Referring to the Chalo Sansad march held on July 20, Wangchuk described the protest as peaceful despite what he called disproportionate police action against demonstrators. He said the conduct of the protesters reflected their commitment to democratic methods and expressed hope that there would be no further use of force or legal action against participants.

The march formed part of the broader student-led movement demanding accountability over the examination paper leak controversy and reforms aimed at strengthening transparency in the education system.

MPs urge Wangchuk to end fast

Wangchuk also revealed that around 65 Members of Parliament from different political parties had written to him after the ministers' visit, urging him to end his fast. He said several MPs had already met him, while others were expected to visit later.

While acknowledging their concern and expressing his desire to resume his work in education, Wangchuk maintained that ending the fast before securing protection for students would betray the purpose of the movement.

As of now, Wangchuk has not ended his hunger strike. His next move depends on whether the Centre publicly assures that no legal, disciplinary or retaliatory action will be taken against those who participated in the Chalo Sansad protest.