NEW DELHI, Jul 24: Activist and education reform campaigner Sonam Wangchuk on Friday ended his 26-day indefinite hunger strike after receiving assurances from the Central Government on several demands linked to alleged irregularities in competitive examinations and the treatment of peaceful protesters.
The breakthrough came after Union Health Minister JP Nadda and Union Minister Jitendra Singh met Wangchuk late Thursday night at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram, where he had been undergoing medical supervision while continuing his fast. Following the meeting, Wangchuk announced that he was ending the protest after what he described as extensive discussions and assurances from the government.
Sharing the development on social media platform X, Wangchuk said he had broken his fast in the presence of the two Union ministers and senior representatives of the Apex Body of Leh Ladakh after 26 days.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Wangchuk’s decision and wished him a speedy recovery. In a message posted on X, the Prime Minister urged the activist to follow medical advice, regain his health and weight, and prayed for his well-being.
Government Announces Key Assurances
Addressing the media after the meeting, JP Nadda outlined the government’s commitments aimed at resolving the concerns raised during the agitation.
According to Nadda, the Centre has taken a positive view on withdrawing legal action against individuals who participated peacefully in the demonstrations at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar and the ‘Sansad Chalo’ march held on July 20.
He also reiterated the government’s commitment to hold discussions in Parliament on examination reforms and measures to curb paper leaks. In addition, the Centre is considering appropriate financial assistance for families of students who allegedly died by suicide following the recent NEET paper leak controversy.
Wangchuk Appeals for Peace
Wangchuk revealed that support for his campaign had come from across the political spectrum, stating that 65 Members of Parliament either met him personally or signed appeals requesting him to end the fast.
He said his decision followed prolonged negotiations and was also influenced by concerns over maintaining peace and preventing any violence during the ongoing movement.
The activist appealed to supporters to remain calm and ensure that the campaign continues through peaceful democratic means. He added that he would soon release a detailed video explaining the conditions under which he agreed to end the hunger strike.
CJP Continues Protest
Despite Wangchuk ending his fast, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which has been spearheading the protest, announced that its agitation at Jantar Mantar would continue.
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke expressed gratitude to Wangchuk for what he described as an extraordinary sacrifice that drew national attention to students’ concerns.
However, Dipke maintained that the organisation would continue its peaceful protest until Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan steps down.
Apart from seeking the minister’s resignation, the party has demanded a transparent investigation into alleged examination irregularities, comprehensive reforms in the education system, compensation of Rs 1 crore for families of students who died by suicide following the alleged NEET paper leak, and withdrawal of all police cases against peaceful demonstrators.
Protest That Lasted Nearly a Month
Wangchuk joined the student-led movement at Jantar Mantar on June 28 in support of demands for accountability in competitive examinations and reforms to India’s examination system. He began his indefinite hunger strike shortly thereafter, making the campaign one of the most prominent education-related protests in recent months.
During the 26-day fast, he reportedly lost around 11 kilograms and repeatedly urged supporters to avoid confrontation, even after police action during the July 20 ‘Sansad Chalo’ march.
On July 18, Delhi Police shifted him from the protest site to Safdarjung Hospital, citing concerns over his deteriorating health. His wife, Gitanjali Angmo, challenged the decision before the Delhi High Court, arguing that he was being kept at the government hospital against his wishes.
The High Court subsequently facilitated his transfer to Medanta Hospital in Gurugram, where he continued the hunger strike while receiving medical care.
Throughout his stay at the hospital, Wangchuk maintained that although he wished to return to teaching and his educational work, he could not conclude the fast until adequate safeguards were provided for students and peaceful protesters participating in the movement.
With the hunger strike now concluded, attention is expected to shift toward the government’s implementation of the assurances and the future course of the ongoing protests led by the Cockroach Janta Party.