Sonam Wangchuk Ends 26-Day Hunger Strike: Govt Promises Paper Leak Talks

Sonam Wangchuk Ends 26-Day Hunger Strike: Activist Sonam Wangchuk announced on Friday that he ended his 26-day hunger strike after receiving written assurances from the government.

The letter promised that Parliament would address accountability in the exam system, the NEET-UG paper leak, and broader exam reforms.

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Sonam Wangchuk Ends 26-Day Hunger Strike: Govt Assures No Cases Against Peaceful Protesters

In a video message released Friday morning, Wangchuk said the written assurances also promised that no cases would be filed against peaceful protesters, including those who joined the July 20 'Chalo Parliament' march.

Wangchuk said the government was also considering compensation for the families of students who died by suicide after the recent NEET exam.

He ended his 26-day fast just after midnight on July 24 at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram. Union Health Minister JP Nadda, Union Minister Jitendra Singh, and senior leaders from the Apex Body of Leh-Ladakh were present.

Sonam Wangchuk's First Message After Hunger Strike

Sonam Wangchuk Ends 26-Day Hunger Strike: Hospital footage showed the two ministers giving him his first sip of juice to break the fast, with his wife, Gitanjali Angmo, by his side.

In his first video message after ending the fast, Wangchuk said he insisted on getting the government's assurances in writing.

This led to two days of difficult negotiations and extended his hunger strike. He said the government eventually gave him the written assurance he wanted.

No Legal Action Against Protesters

Government Assurance to Protesters: According to Wangchuk, the government's letter confirmed that no cases would be registered against those who protested peacefully or joined the July 20, 2026, 'Chalo Parliament' march.

He decided to end his fast after about 65 Members of Parliament from different parties asked him to stop his protest.

They assured him that Parliament would discuss the NEET paper leak and exam reforms.

Sonam Wangchuk Protest: Wangchuk Ends 26-Day Fast; PM Modi Responds, CJP Keeps Protest Alive

Sonam Wangchuk Ends 26-Day Hunger Strike: Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on X, saying he hoped Wangchuk would follow doctors' advice, return to his daily routine, and regain his health and weight soon.

Meanwhile, protesters said pellet guns were used during the CJP's 'Chalo Parliament' march in New Delhi.

The Cockroach Janta Party welcomed Wangchuk's decision to end his hunger strike, saying it was relieved and grateful.

However, the party said its peaceful protest at Jantar Mantar would continue until Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns.

Jantar Mantar Protest: Sonam Wangchuk Ends Fast, But CJP's Protest Goes On

Student Protest in Delhi: In a post on X, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke thanked Wangchuk for what he called his extraordinary courage and sacrifice.

Dipke said the party was relieved that Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike and credited his sacrifice with bringing national attention to the issue. He also said Wangchuk's life was invaluable to the country.

Dipke added that the Cockroach Janta Party's peaceful protest at Jantar Mantar would continue until Dharmendra Pradhan resigns.

The party is demanding accountability for irregularities in competitive exams, comprehensive reforms in the education system, Rs 1 crore compensation for the families of students who died by suicide after the NEET paper leak, and the withdrawal of all FIRs and legal action against peaceful protesters involved in the agitation.

26 Days Without Food: Sonam Wangchuk's Protest That Forced a Response

Sonam Wangchuk Latest News: Wangchuk began his indefinite hunger strike on June 28 to support students seeking accountability for alleged irregularities in competitive exams, major reforms in the education system, and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

During his 26-day fast, Wangchuk lost about 11 kg. He often urged his supporters to keep the protest peaceful, even after police action during the July 20 'Chalo Parliament' march.

Sonam Wangchuk Ends 26-Day Hunger Strike: When Medical Care Couldn't Sway Wangchuk From His Protest

On July 18, Delhi Police moved him from the protest site to Safdarjung Hospital, saying he needed medical care.

His wife, Gitanjali Angmo, went to the Delhi High Court, arguing that he was being kept at the government hospital against his wishes.

The court later allowed him to be transferred to Medanta Hospital in Gurugram, where he continued his hunger strike.

While being treated at Medanta, Wangchuk said he wanted to return to his students and resume his work as an educator.

However, he said he would not end his fast until proper safeguards were in place for the protesting students.

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