Sonam Wangchuk Ends 26-Day Hunger Strike After Government Assurances

New Delhi: Climate activist and education reform advocate Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike early Friday after the Central Government assured that no legal action would be taken against peaceful protesters at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. He concluded his fast at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram in the presence of Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh, along with his wife, Gitanjali Angmo, and senior leaders from Leh-Ladakh.

Announcing the decision in a social media post, Wangchuk said he had ended his fast after lengthy discussions with the government. He explained that the decision was also influenced by concerns over the possibility of violence and appealed to supporters to remain peaceful. He added that he would soon release a detailed video explaining the terms of the agreement.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished Wangchuk a speedy recovery, urging him to follow medical advice and regain his health after the prolonged fast.

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke welcomed Wangchuk's decision, describing it as a relief for supporters. He praised the activist's determination and sacrifice, saying the hunger strike had drawn nationwide attention to the issue of examination reforms. However, the CJP reiterated that it would continue pressing for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

A video released from the hospital showed Wangchuk expressing gratitude as he broke his fast. During the event, JP Nadda outlined the government's commitments, stating that authorities would not register cases against those who participated in peaceful demonstrations at Jantar Mantar or the Parliament march. The government also promised to discuss examination reforms and stronger measures against paper leaks in Parliament while considering compensation for families of students who died by suicide following the recent NEET paper leak controversy.

Earlier, the Centre had already initiated several steps, including replacing the Education Secretary, establishing a fast-track court to handle paper leak cases, and assuring strict action against those responsible.

In a video message released after ending his fast, Wangchuk said the government had provided three major assurances following nearly two days of negotiations. These include a parliamentary discussion on accountability in the examination system, compensation for families affected by the NEET paper leak tragedy, and protection from legal action for peaceful protesters.

Wangchuk began his hunger strike on June 28, demanding comprehensive education reforms and accountability for repeated examination paper leaks. He initially continued the protest at Jantar Mantar before being shifted to Safdarjung Hospital after his removal from the protest site. Refusing to end his fast there, he was later transferred to Medanta Hospital following legal intervention by his wife.

Doctors reported that Wangchuk lost around 11 kilograms during the 26-day fast.

The activist has previously undertaken several high-profile hunger strikes. In 2024, he spent 21 days surviving only on water and salt while protesting for constitutional safeguards to protect Ladakh's environment and resources. He was also detained under the National Security Act during protests over Ladakh's statehood and Sixth Schedule demands.

Widely recognised for his innovative approach to education, Sonam Wangchuk is regarded as one of the inspirations behind the fictional character Phunsukh Wangdu in the Bollywood film 3 Idiots.