PM Modi Urges Sonam Wangchuk to Prioritise Health After Ending 26-Day Fast
Hours after climate activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged him to follow medical advice and regain his health. In a post on social media platform X, PM Modi said, “I urge Sonam ji to follow the doctors’ advice in his daily routine and regain his old weight as soon as possible. I pray to the Almighty for his good health.”
Wangchuk, who had been on a hunger strike since June 28, broke his fast at Gurugram’s Medanta Hospital on Wednesday. The government assured that no legal action would be taken against protesters at Jantar Mantar. Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh, senior leaders of the Apex Body of Leh Ladakh, doctors, and family members were present. Visuals showed the ministers helping Wangchuk take a sip from a cup to end his fast.
“I’m grateful and happy to break my fast. Thank you,” Wangchuk said while holding the hands of Nadda and Singh. Turning to his wife, he added, “Gitanjali has always been by my side. I don’t want to thank you but express my feelings.”
During the event, Minister JP Nadda read out the government’s assurances: “The government is positive about not registering cases against those protesting peacefully at Jantar Mantar in Delhi and those participating in the march to the Parliament on July 20, 2026. The government has already assured discussions to find solutions to paper leaks and educational reforms for exams. Besides, the government is also positively considering suitable compensations for the suicide victims of recent NEET paper leaks.”
Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), expressed relief and gratitude that Wangchuk ended his fast. “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 wrote on X. He added that the CJP’s peaceful protest at Jantar Mantar would continue until Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns.
In a separate video statement, PM Modi promised more stringent actions in paper leak cases amid the ongoing protests. “Friends, I know that paper leak is not an ordinary issue. It is very painful for the lakhs of students and their families. That is why many steps have been taken in the last two and a half months,” he said. The PM noted that culprits have been caught and jailed, and emphasised the importance of ensuring students do not lose an academic year. He said he instructed departments to set up fast-track courts. “After the suggestions of the cabinet members, it will be given its final form. And from Monday, when the second week of Parliament starts, we will try to get that bill passed as soon as possible,” the PM stated.
