Image Courtesy: X/@Wangchuk66
NEW DELHI: Ladakh-based climate activist and education advocate Sonam Wangchuk broke his 26-day indefinite hunger strike late on Friday at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram.
Union Ministers JP Nadda and Dr Jitendra Singh were present as he ended the fast, in a development that signals a partial easing of tensions in the student-led movement over examination reforms.
The Fast and Its Conclusion
Wangchuk had launched the hunger strike on June 28 while actively participating in the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protests at Jantar Mantar in Delhi. His action was in solidarity with students demanding accountability for alleged NEET paper leaks, systemic reforms in the National Testing Agency (NTA), and the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
He was shifted from the protest site to Safdarjung Hospital on July 18 and later to Medanta after his wife, Gitanjali Angmo, approached the Delhi High Court citing medical concerns.
Visuals from the hospital showed Dr Jitendra Singh helping Wangchuk sit up and JP Nadda assisting him as he took a sip to break the fast. Wangchuk expressed gratitude, saying, “I’m grateful and happy to break my fast. Thank you,” while holding the ministers’ hands. Turning to his wife, he added emotionally, “Gitanjali has always been by my side. I don’t want to thank you but express my feelings.”
He had lost at least 11 kg during the fast. One of his key demands was that the government should spare young protesters from legal action.
Government Engagement and Parallel Developments
The meeting with the two Union ministers focused on student concerns regarding examination integrity. The Centre has provided assurances on continued dialogue and institutional improvements.
This engagement coincides with other recent steps, including the replacement of the Higher Education Secretary and the designation of a special fast-track judge for paper leak cases.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also vowed stricter measures, with a proposed new Bill to be discussed in the Cabinet and introduced in Parliament soon.
While no detailed formal agreement was made public immediately, sources indicated that the Centre acknowledged the need to strengthen the examination ecosystem. This engagement aligns with broader government signals, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent video message committing to fast-track courts, stricter punishments, and new legislation to curb paper leaks, expected to be discussed in the Union Cabinet and introduced in Parliament soon.
Wangchuk’s decision to end the fast comes amid sustained but evolving student-led agitations under the CJP banner. His participation had elevated the profile of the movement, which initially focused on the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan but has increasingly emphasized long-term reforms in the National Testing Agency (NTA) and examination security protocols.
Wangchuk, celebrated for his innovative work on climate issues in Ladakh and alternative education models, has a history of using hunger strikes as a form of protest. In 2024, he undertook a high-altitude fast demanding greater rights and protections for Ladakh. His involvement brought national visibility to the current student agitation, which continues at Jantar Mantar under CJP leadership even after his withdrawal from the fast.
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