Activist Sonam Wangchuk has ended his 26-day indefinite hunger strike after the Centre gave written assurances that peaceful protesters would not face punitive or retaliatory legal action.
In a video message shared on his official X account, Wangchuk showed the written assurance provided by the government after Union ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh met him at a hospital in Gurugram.
The government said it was “positive” about not registering cases against those who had protested peacefully at Jantar Mantar and those who participated in the march to Parliament on July 20.
Wangchuk had earlier sought a clear assurance that young protesters involved in the Cockroach Janta Party movement would not face legal action for participating in the demonstrations.
The activist began his fast on June 28, protesting alleged irregularities in the NEET examination system and demanding accountability, including the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. He reportedly lost around 11 kg during the 26-day fast.
Wangchuk was removed from the Jantar Mantar protest site by Delhi Police on July 18 and taken to Safdarjung Hospital. His wife later challenged the move in the Delhi High Court, which directed that he be shifted to a private hospital of his choice.
Other assurances from Centre
According to the written statement shared by Wangchuk, the government also assured that Parliament would hold detailed discussions on alleged NEET irregularities, paper leaks and broader examination reforms.
The Centre also said it was positively considering suitable compensation for families of students who died by suicide following the recent NEET paper-leak controversy.
Wangchuk said the assurances came after discussions with Union ministers and members of Ladakh’s apex body. He added that around 65 MPs from different political parties had either met him or signed an appeal urging him to end his fast.
The activist said negotiations over the demand for protection from legal action against protesters continued for two additional days before the government provided the written assurance.
