Activist and educationist Sonam Wangchuk on Friday ended his 26-day hunger strike at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram after Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a statement addressing key concerns raised by the protest movement. The decision came following a meeting with Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda and Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office Dr. Jitendra Singh, who visited Wangchuk at the hospital.
According to sources, Prime Minister Modi assured that those responsible for the alleged examination irregularities would face strict and exemplary punishment.
The Prime Minister also stated that the government remained committed to ensuring fairness, transparency and accountability in the examination system while protecting the interests of students.
Wangchuk, who had earlier said he would end his fast if his key concerns were addressed, expressed gratitude before breaking his fast.
“Just now in the presence of Union Ministers Sh. JP Nadda, Dr. Jitendra Singh and the senior leaders of Apex Body of Leh Ladakh I finally broke my fast after 26 days. Earlier 65 members of parliament from different political parties had visited or signed letters urging me to break the fast. This was done after long negotiations on various conditions and in view of possible violence in the country. I will explain the conditions in detail in a separate video very soon. Meanwhile I urge you all to stay very vigillant about not allowing violence of any kind anywhere,” Wangchuk said on X.
J.P. Nadda and Dr. Jitendra Singh were present as Wangchuk formally ended his hunger strike by accepting refreshments at the hospital.
Reacting to the development, PM Modi urged Sonam Wangchuk to follow the routine suggested by doctors and regain the 11 kg weight he had lost during the hunger strike.
The 26-day fast had drawn nationwide attention, with Wangchuk demanding accountability over alleged examination irregularities and seeking assurances that no punitive action would be taken against young protesters who participated in the movement.
Earlier this week, he had conveyed his willingness to end the fast if the government provided such assurances.
With Wangchuk calling off his hunger strike, attention is now expected to shift to the government’s next steps on the commitments made during the discussions.
Dipke says protest to continue until Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation
Meanwhile, Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke has also reacted to the development, saying he was relieved and grateful that Sonam has ended his hunger strike.
“We are relieved and grateful that Sonam sir has ended his hunger strike after 26 days. Thank you, sir, for your extraordinary courage and sacrifice. By putting your own life on the line, you awakened the conscience of an entire nation. Your life is far too precious to this country,” Dipke said on X.
He, however, clarified that the CJP’s protest at Jantar Mantar will continue until Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation.
“The Cockroach Janta Party’s peaceful protest at Jantar Mantar will continue until Dharmendra Pradhan resigns,” Dipke added.