Sonam Wangchuk Ends 26-Day Hunger Strike After Centre’s Assurances
Activist breaks fast at Medanta Hospital after Union ministers outline government's commitments on protests, paper leaks and NEET compensation
- Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike at Medanta Hospital.
- Union Minister J.P. Nadda conveyed the Centre’s assurances before Wangchuk broke his fast.
- Government promised a positive approach on protesters, paper leak reforms and compensation for NEET victims.
- PM Modi wished Wangchuk good health and urged him to follow doctors’ advice.
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 24th July: Activist Sonam Wangchuk on Friday ended his 26-day hunger strike at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram after the Centre assured action on issues related to peaceful protests, examination reforms and compensation for victims linked to the alleged NEET paper leak.
Wangchuk, who had not consumed food for more than three weeks, broke his fast by sipping soup after Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda read out the government’s assurances in the presence of Union Minister Jitendra Singh, senior leaders from the Apex Body of Leh-Ladakh, doctors, supporters and members of his family.
His first words after ending the fast were, “Hunger tastes better,” before adding that while the soup tasted good, “hunger doesn’t taste bad” either.
Reading the government’s statement, Nadda said the Centre was positively inclined not to register cases against those who protested peacefully at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar or participated in the march to Parliament on July 20. He also said the government had already committed to parliamentary discussions on paper leak reforms and examination-related changes, while suitable compensation for families of victims linked to the recent NEET paper leak was also under consideration.
Responding to the assurances, Wangchuk thanked the government and announced the end of his fast.
“I’m grateful and happy to break my fast. Thank you,” he said while holding the hands of Nadda and Jitendra Singh.
He also appealed to students continuing their protests to remain peaceful.
“Expressing your feelings is legitimate, but I do not approve of violence of any kind. Anti-social elements should not be allowed to take advantage of the movement,” Wangchuk said.
Turning to his wife, Gitanjali Angmo, Wangchuk expressed gratitude for her unwavering support throughout the agitation.
Wangchuk had begun his indefinite hunger strike on June 28 at Jantar Mantar demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET paper leak. On July 18, he was shifted to Safdarjung Hospital after his health deteriorated. Following a petition filed by his wife in the Delhi High Court, he was later transferred to Medanta Hospital in Gurugram, where he completed his fast.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished Wangchuk a speedy recovery and urged him to follow medical advice.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister said he hoped Wangchuk would follow doctors’ recommendations, regain his previous weight as soon as possible and remain in good health.
