Wangchuk Breaks Silence After Ending Hunger Strike
Hours after ending his 26-day hunger strike, activist Sonam Wangchuk released a video on Friday explaining why he decided to call off the protest. Speaking from his hospital bed, Wangchuk said the decision came only after receiving multiple assurances from the Central government following discussions with Union Ministers JP Nadda and Dr Jitendra Singh.
In the three-minute video shared on X, Wangchuk said the government had agreed to place the issue of accountability in the country’s examination system before Parliament and assured that elected representatives from across political parties would participate in the discussion.
Three Key Assurances From The Government
Explaining the reasons behind ending his fast, Wangchuk said the Centre had made three important commitments.
According to him, the government assured that:
- The issue of accountability in the examination system would be discussed in Parliament.
- Families of students who died by suicide in connection with the recent NEET paper leak controversy would receive suitable compensation.
- No criminal cases would be registered against students and youth who participated peacefully in the Jantar Mantar protest.
In the video, Wangchuk said, “Sonam Wangchuk ends his fast after 26 days upon getting assurance from the government and members of parliament of all political parties that the issue of accountability in the failing examination system will be discussed on the floors of the Indian Parliament. The government also gave assurance that families of suicide victims in the recent NEET examination paper leak will be given adequate compensation and that there will be no cases registered against the peacefully protesting students and youths.”
Midnight Meeting Led To End Of Fast
Wangchuk said he formally ended his hunger strike shortly after midnight on July 24 following a meeting with Union Ministers JP Nadda and Dr Jitendra Singh at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram.
Sharing the update on X, he wrote, “Just now in the presence of Union Ministers JP Nadda, Dr Jitendra Singh and the senior leaders of Apex Body of Leh Ladakh, I finally broke my fast after 26 days.”
Centre Reiterates Assurances
During the meeting, Union Health Minister JP Nadda read out the government’s commitments before Wangchuk, his wife Gitanjali Angmo and other attendees.
Nadda stated that the government was positively considering not filing cases against those who participated peacefully in the Jantar Mantar protest and the July 20 Parliament march. He also reiterated that Parliament would discuss examination reforms and paper leak issues, while the Centre was examining appropriate compensation for families affected by the recent NEET controversy.
PM Modi Wishes Wangchuk Speedy Recovery
Following the end of the fast, Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a message on X wishing Wangchuk a quick recovery.
The Prime Minister wrote, “I urge Sonam ji to follow his daily routine as advised by the doctors and regain his weight as soon as possible.” He further added, “I pray to the Almighty that Sonam ji remains healthy.”
Appeals For Peace, Promises More Details Soon
Wangchuk revealed that 65 Members of Parliament from different political parties had either visited him or signed appeals requesting him to end the hunger strike.
He said the decision followed prolonged negotiations and concerns about possible unrest across the country. Wangchuk added that he would soon release another video explaining the full details of the agreement reached with the government.
Appealing for calm, he urged supporters to remain peaceful and ensure that no violence takes place during the ongoing movement.
