Activist Sonam Wangchuk Ends 26-Day Hunger Strike After Government Assurance

Activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day indefinite hunger strike on Friday, July 24, after receiving written assurances from the central government, according to Cherring Dorjay Lakruk, co-convenor of the Leh Apex Body.

Wangchuk broke his fast in the presence of two Union Ministers, Mr. Dorjay said. The government provided a written commitment that cases against students involved in the protests would be withdrawn if they were not violent. Additionally, the government assured it would consider compensation for families of suicide victims linked to the agitation.

The hunger strike was part of a larger student-led movement that began on June 20, organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). The protesters have demanded accountability over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, reforms in the education system, and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Earlier, on Thursday, Wangchuk appealed to supporters to maintain peace, saying he was distressed by reports that "anti-social elements" were trying to provoke violence elsewhere while the protest at Jantar Mantar remained peaceful. "Peace and only peace is my way," he posted on X. "No matter what the other side does, our response must only be flowers. Please keep this tradition at all costs."

His appeal came after a July 20 march to Parliament, during which Delhi Police used tear gas and baton charges to stop thousands of protesters. Protesters also alleged the use of pellet guns and tasers. In response, the CJP claimed attempts were being made to portray the movement as violent and link it to incidents elsewhere in Delhi—allegations that police denied.

Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali Angmo, also defended the protesters, calling it "deeply painful" to see students portrayed negatively. In a post on X, she praised the conduct of young protesters, describing them as disciplined, compassionate, and selfless. "If this is the generation we have raised, India’s future is in safe hands," she wrote.

Wangchuk, who joined the agitation on June 28, has been admitted to Medanta Hospital in Gurugram. He had offered to end his fast if the Centre assured that no punitive action would be taken against peaceful protesters.

The movement, led by the CJP, initially focused on alleged irregularities in exams such as NEET and UGC-NET, which affected thousands of students. The protesters have also called for a complete overhaul of the examination system and greater transparency.

Over the weeks, the protests have seen participation from students across the country, with a significant presence at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. The indefinite hunger strike by Wangchuk drew national attention to the cause.

Following the government's assurances, the Leh Apex Body expressed hope that the situation would now de-escalate. The body reiterated its support for peaceful dialogue between the government and student representatives.