Sonam Wangchuk Ends 26-Day Hunger Strike After Government Assurances on Examination Reforms

NEW DELHI / GURUGRAM — Renowned activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day indefinite hunger strike late Thursday night after receiving concrete assurances from the Central government regarding examination system reforms and student protections.

The fast was broken at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram in the presence of Union Ministers J.P. Nadda and Dr. Jitendra Singh, along with senior leaders of the Apex Body of Leh Ladakh.

Key Guarantees Extended by the Centre

Wangchuk, who had been protesting over alleged irregularities and paper leaks in competitive examinations like NEET-UG, agreed to end his strike following prolonged negotiations. The government offered several major commitments:

 Parliamentary Discussion: An official debate in the Indian Parliament focused on establishing strict accountability in the failing examination system.

 Compensation for Victims: Financial support and adequate compensation for families of students who died by suicide following the recent paper leak scandal.

 Protection for Protesters: A guarantee that no legal cases will be registered against peacefully protesting students and youth.

 

"This was done after long negotiations on various conditions and in view of possible violence in the country... I urge you all to stay very vigilant about not allowing violence of any kind anywhere."

— Sonam Wangchuk via X

 

Prior to the resolution, 65 Members of Parliament across various political parties had visited Wangchuk or signed letters appealing to him to end the fast due to his deteriorating health, during which he lost approximately 11 kg.

 

PM Modi Promises Strict Anti-Paper Leak Legislation:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Wangchuk's decision, wishing him a fast recovery:

"I urge Sonam ji to follow his daily routine as advised by the doctors and regain his weight as soon as possible. I pray to the Almighty that Sonam ji remains healthy."

The Prime Minister also announced that a draft bill imposing harsh penalties and establishing fast-track courts for paper leak cases would be discussed by the Union Cabinet and presented in Parliament to tackle examination fraud systematically.

 

Background of the Protest

Wangchuk originally joined the youth-led movement at Jantar Mantar on June 28, calling for systemic education reforms, transparency in national competitive tests, and accountability from the administration. As health concerns mounted during his hunger strike, he was relocated from Safdarjung Hospital to Medanta Hospital, where he continued his protest until the late-night breakthrough.