Sonam Wangchuk Breaks 26-Day Hunger Strike in Presence of JP Nadda, Jitendra Singh

Sonam Wangchuk Ends 26-Day Fast After Centre’s Assurance on Paper Leak Debate

Activist Sonam Wangchuk on Friday ended his 26-day hunger strike after the Centre assured him that the issue of examination paper leaks and accountability would be taken up by political parties in Parliament. He broke his fast in the presence of Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh following weeks of discussions with the government.

The emotional moment unfolded at the hospital, where Jitendra Singh helped Wangchuk sit up before JP Nadda offered him his first sip of a drink. His wife, Gitanjali Angmo, stood beside him as he ended the fast.

“I’m grateful and happy to break my fast. Thank you,” Wangchuk said, adding that his wife had remained his strongest support throughout the protest.

‘Long Negotiations’ With the Centre

Soon after ending his fast, Wangchuk announced the decision on X, saying it followed prolonged negotiations and concerns that the movement could become violent. “Just now, in the presence of Union Ministers JP Nadda and Dr Jitendra Singh and senior leaders of the Apex Body of Leh Ladakh, I finally broke my fast after 26 days,” he wrote.

He said 65 MPs from different political parties had either visited him or appealed to him to end the hunger strike. Wangchuk added that he would soon release a detailed video explaining the assurances received from the government.

Despite ending his fast, he urged supporters to maintain peace.

“Please stay vigilant and do not allow violence of any kind anywhere. Peace and only peace is my way,” he said.

PM Modi Wishes Him Good Health

Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Wangchuk’s decision and wished him a speedy recovery.

The Prime Minister urged the activist to follow doctors’ advice, regain his health and recover the weight he had lost during the protest.

Protest Over NEET Paper Leak

Wangchuk began his indefinite fast on June 28 after joining the student-led agitation at Jantar Mantar over the alleged NEET paper leak.

The movement has been demanding:

• Accountability for examination paper leaks.
• Stronger safeguards to prevent future irregularities.
• Reforms in the examination system.
• Resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

As his health worsened, Wangchuk was admitted to Safdarjung Hospital before being shifted to Medanta Hospital in Gurugram after the Delhi High Court permitted his transfer. Doctors said he had lost around 11 kg during the hunger strike.

Government Announces Fresh Measures

Hours before Wangchuk ended his fast, the Centre unveiled a series of steps to address concerns over examination leaks.

Prime Minister Modi announced that the Union Cabinet would consider a proposed law providing for:

• Fast-track courts for paper leak cases.
• Tougher punishment for those involved in examination fraud.
• Speedier investigation and trial of such offences.

The government also announced key changes in the Education Ministry’s top bureaucracy, appointing Naresh Kumar Gangwar as Higher Education Secretary and T K Anil Kumar as Secretary, Department of School Education and Literacy.

While Wangchuk has called off his hunger strike, the broader agitation continues, with protest organisers saying their campaign for education reforms and greater accountability is far from over.