Sonam Wangchuk Ends 26-Day Fast After Talks With JP Nadda, Jitendra Singh

Sonam Wangchuk Ends 26-Day Hunger Strike After Centre’s Assurances, Meets JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh

Activist Sonam Wangchuk on Friday ended his 26-day hunger strike after the Centre assured him that the issue of examination paper leaks and accountability would be discussed by all political parties in Parliament. He broke his fast in the presence of Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh following weeks of negotiations with the government.

Visuals from the hospital showed Jitendra Singh helping Wangchuk sit up before JP Nadda offered him the first sip of a drink to end the fast. Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali Angmo, was present during the emotional moment.

“I’m grateful and happy to break my fast. Thank you,” Wangchuk said, before acknowledging his wife’s unwavering support throughout the protest.

‘Long Negotiations Led to This Decision’

In a post on X, Wangchuk said he had decided to end his fast after extensive discussions with the Centre and concerns that the ongoing agitation could take a violent turn. “Just now, in the presence of Union Ministers JP Nadda and Dr Jitendra Singh and senior leaders of the Apex Body of Leh Ladakh, I finally broke my fast after 26 days,” he wrote.

He added that 65 Members of Parliament from across party lines had either met him personally or appealed to him to call off the hunger strike.

Wangchuk said he would soon release a detailed video explaining the conditions under which he agreed to end the fast. He also appealed to supporters to ensure that the movement remains peaceful.

“Peace and only peace is my way. Please do not allow violence of any kind,” he urged.

PM Modi Wishes Wangchuk a Speedy Recovery

Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Wangchuk’s decision to end the fast and wished him good health.

In a post on X, the Prime Minister urged Wangchuk to follow medical advice and regain his strength as soon as possible.

Why Wangchuk Went on Hunger Strike

Wangchuk began his indefinite fast on June 28 after joining the student-led protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar over the alleged NEET paper leak.

The movement has demanded:

• A thorough investigation into examination paper leaks.
• Stronger safeguards for competitive exams.
• Greater accountability for officials responsible.
• Resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

During the protest, Wangchuk was shifted from Jantar Mantar to Safdarjung Hospital after his health deteriorated. He refused to end his fast there, prompting his wife to move the Delhi High Court over concerns regarding his treatment. The court later allowed his transfer to Medanta Hospital in Gurugram, where doctors said he had lost around 11 kg during the hunger strike.

Centre Announces Tougher Anti-Paper Leak Measures

Wangchuk’s decision came shortly after the Centre announced a series of measures to tackle examination irregularities.

Prime Minister Modi said the Union Cabinet would consider a draft law proposing:

• Fast-track courts for paper leak cases.
• Stricter punishment for those involved in examination fraud.
• Faster investigations and trials to improve accountability.

The government also carried out a major bureaucratic reshuffle in the Education Ministry, appointing Naresh Kumar Gangwar as Higher Education Secretary and T K Anil Kumar as Secretary, Department of School Education and Literacy.

Although Wangchuk has ended his hunger strike, the broader student-led protest continues, with organisers reiterating their demand for comprehensive education reforms and action against those responsible for examination paper leaks.