Sonam Wangchuk Ends 26-Day Hunger Strike After Government Assurances on Education Reform

KalimNews, July 4, 2026, New Delhi : Social activist and engineer Sonam Wangchuk has ended his 26-day hunger strike after receiving a series of assurances from the Central Government regarding education reforms, accountability in examination systems, and the treatment of peaceful protesters. The fast concluded late Thursday night at a private hospital in Gurugram in the presence of Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh, along with Wangchuk's wife Gitanjali Angmo and senior leaders of the Apex Body of Leh Ladakh.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Wangchuk's decision to end his fast and urged him to follow medical advice, return to his normal routine, and regain the weight he lost during the prolonged protest. In a social media message, the Prime Minister also prayed for Wangchuk's speedy recovery and good health.

The 59-year-old activist had launched his indefinite hunger strike on June 28 in support of the youth-led movement demanding sweeping reforms in India's education system, greater accountability for repeated examination paper leaks, and justice for millions of students affected by the crisis.

Announcing his decision on X, Wangchuk explained that he ended the fast after nearly two days of intensive discussions and negotiations with government representatives. He said the decision was also motivated by the need to prevent any possibility of violence and appealed to citizens to remain peaceful, vigilant, and united.

According to Wangchuk, the government gave three important assurances. The first was that Parliament would hold discussions on accountability within India's examination system and introduce meaningful education reforms to prevent future paper leaks. The second assurance was that the families of students who died by suicide following the recent NEET examination paper leak controversy would receive appropriate compensation. The third was that no criminal cases would be filed against those who participated peacefully in demonstrations at Delhi's Jantar Mantar or in the July 20 march to Parliament.

Reading the government's assurances to Wangchuk before he broke his fast, Union Health Minister JP Nadda stated that the Centre was committed to discussing examination reforms and paper leak issues in Parliament. He further conveyed that the government was favourably considering refraining from initiating legal action against peaceful protesters and was examining suitable compensation for families affected by the NEET paper leak tragedy.

Soon after the announcement, Wangchuk accepted a liquid drink offered by Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh, officially bringing his fast to an end.

Before concluding his protest, Wangchuk had reportedly lost around 11 kilograms and had earlier described himself as weak but determined. He had initially been protesting at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi before being removed by authorities last weekend and admitted to Safdarjung Hospital. Refusing to end his fast there, he was later shifted to a private hospital after his wife approached the Delhi High Court, citing concerns over his medical care.

The hunger strike attracted nationwide attention and received support from 65 Members of Parliament representing different political parties, many of whom either visited Wangchuk personally or appealed to him through letters to end the fast in the interest of his health.

The movement gained further momentum through the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a youth-led organisation that emerged earlier this year as an online satirical campaign against examination irregularities before evolving into one of India's largest student protest movements. The organisation has demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, arguing that he should accept moral responsibility for repeated examination paper leaks that affected nearly two million students and allegedly contributed to several student suicides.

Following Wangchuk's decision, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke expressed relief and gratitude, stating that the activist's willingness to risk his own life had awakened the nation's conscience. He emphasised that the movement would continue peacefully until its primary demand—the resignation of the Education Minister—is fulfilled.

The CJP has announced a nationwide march in solidarity with students who alleged excessive police action during the recent march to Parliament. Organisers have issued detailed guidelines for demonstrators, urging peaceful participation, coordination with local authorities, and strict adherence to the law. According to the organisation, protests have already been organised across 33 cities, including Chandigarh, Dharamshala, Bhopal, Patna, Guwahati, Kalaburgi, Visakhapatnam, Bengaluru, Ranchi, Pune, Thiruvananthapuram, Kolkata, and Mumbai.

The education reform movement has rapidly grown into one of the largest youth-led demonstrations witnessed in India in recent years, drawing tens of thousands of students and supporters. Opposition parties have echoed many of the protesters' concerns, and the issue has also disrupted proceedings during the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament.

Responding to mounting public pressure, the Central Government has already initiated several measures. The Education Secretary has been removed from office, a fast-track judicial mechanism has been established to expedite cases related to examination paper leaks, and Prime Minister Modi has assured strict action against those responsible for compromising the integrity of public examinations. The government has also indicated that additional measures to strengthen examination security and prevent future leaks will be announced.