Sonam Wangchuk Ends 26-Day Hunger Strike After Centre Assures No Action Against Student Protesters
New Delhi: Renowned environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk has ended his 26-day hunger strike, launched in solidarity with students protesting alleged irregularities in the NEET examination process, after receiving assurances from the Central Government that no legal action would be taken against participants in the ‘Chalo Sansad’ (Parliament March) protest.
Wangchuk ended his fast at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram in the presence of Union Ministers J.P. Nadda and Dr. Jitendra Singh. He broke his fast by drinking juice offered by Nadda, with his wife, Geetanjali Angmo, by his side.
His health had deteriorated significantly during the prolonged fast, and he reportedly lost around 11 kilograms before being admitted to hospital. Following extensive discussions with the Union ministers, an agreement was reached, paving the way for the fast to conclude.
Written Assurance Secured
Wangchuk had maintained that he would end his fast only after receiving a written assurance that students involved in the protests would not face legal action or harassment.
The Centre agreed to the demand after Wangchuk reiterated that the movement was launched to protect students’ legitimate interests and that their futures should not be jeopardised. Appeals from 65 Members of Parliament across political parties also influenced his decision, urging him to preserve his health for future public service.
The CJP protest movement welcomed Wangchuk’s decision while expressing gratitude for his support.
CJP leaders said his sacrifice had inspired the nation and strengthened their campaign for transparency in the examination system. They confirmed that peaceful demonstrations at Jantar Mantar would continue and reiterated their demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
A nationwide protest has also been planned, with demonstrations scheduled across district headquarters.
As protests intensified across the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed students through a late-night video message, describing the NEET question paper leak as a “grave crime” that shattered the hopes of millions of students and their families.
He said those responsible will be arrested and that authorities will act quickly to ensure the academic year of nearly 2.2 million students was not disrupted.
The Prime Minister also announced plans to establish special courts to expedite trials in examination paper leak cases and introduce stricter legislation to impose tougher penalties on offenders. The proposed legislation is expected to be considered by the Union Cabinet before being introduced in Parliament.
However, Modi did not address the protesters’ key demand seeking the resignation of the Union Education Minister. As a result, while Wangchuk’s decision to end his fast has eased tensions to some extent, CJP have indicated that their campaign will continue until their broader demands are addressed.
Irish Samachar English