Sonam Wangchuk ends 26-day fast after written assurances from Centre

Activist Sonam Wangchuk on Thursday ended his 26-day hunger strike at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram after receiving written assurances from the Centre on key demands linked to alleged NEET paper leaks, examination reforms and action against peaceful protesters.

Union Ministers J P Nadda and Jitendra Singh visited Wangchuk at the hospital along with senior leaders of the Apex Body of Leh Ladakh before he broke his fast. Television visuals showed Wangchuk sipping from a cup offered by Nadda, with his wife, Gitanjali Angmo, standing beside him.

“I am grateful and happy to break my fast. Thank you,” Wangchuk said. Turning to his wife, he added, “Gitanjali has always stood by me and been my support.”

In a statement shared after ending the fast, Wangchuk said the decision followed two days of negotiations with the government, during which he insisted on written assurances before calling off his protest.

He said around 65 Members of Parliament from different political parties had earlier met him, signed a joint appeal urging him to end the fast and assured him that the issue of alleged NEET paper leaks and examination reforms would be taken up in Parliament.

According to Wangchuk, the written assurances include a positive approach towards not initiating FIRs or legal action against students and others who participated peacefully in the Jantar Mantar protest and the July 20 March to Parliament, discussions in Parliament on examination reforms and accountability for paper leaks, and consideration of suitable compensation for the families of students who allegedly died by suicide following the NEET paper leak controversy.

Wangchuk said no written commitment had been given on the demand for Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation, but added that the issue would be discussed in Parliament.

Explaining his decision to end the fast, Wangchuk said he had to choose between continuing the hunger strike at the risk of his life and accepting what he described as significant gains secured through negotiations. He said protecting students from criminal cases was among his foremost concerns, warning that FIRs could adversely affect their future.

Appealing for calm, Wangchuk urged students and supporters to continue their movement peacefully and not allow violence or anti-social elements to undermine their cause.

He also thanked the doctors and medical staff at Medanta Hospital for caring for him throughout the 26-day fast and said he would soon release a detailed video explaining the conditions under which he decided to end the protest.