Sonam Wangchuk Ends 26-Day Fast After Government Assurances on Exam Reforms
Climate activist and education reform advocate Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike on the night of July 23, 2026, following written assurances from the central government on key demands related to examination reforms and protection of peaceful protesters.
Wangchuk began his fast at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on June 28 in support of the ongoing protest by the Cokroach Janta Party (CJP). The protest demanded accountability for paper leaks, the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, and reforms in the examination system, including tighter measures to prevent future leaks.
In a video posted on social media platform X, Wangchuk described the end of his hunger strike as the 'beginning of accountability.' He stated that he called off the fast only after receiving assurances from the government and Members of Parliament from various political parties.
Wangchuk revealed that he had extended his hunger strike by two days because negotiations with the government were ongoing. 'Negotiations were on for these assurances since the last two days, for which I had to extend my hunger strike. I could have extended it further if required,' he said in the video.
The activist also shared the text of an assurance letter read out by Health Minister J. P. Nadda at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram before Wangchuk broke his fast. The letter stated that the government is 'positive on not registering cases against those protesting peacefully at Jantar Mantar in Delhi and those who participated in the march to Parliament on July 20.'
The letter further said the government has 'already assured threadbare discussions to find solutions to paper leaks and educational reforms for exams in Parliament' and is 'positively considering suitable compensation for the suicide victims of recent NEET paper leaks.'
Wangchuk ended his fast in the presence of his wife Gitanjali Angmo, Health Minister Nadda, and Union Minister Jitendra Singh. The protest at Jantar Mantar continues, with supporters expressing cautious optimism about the government's commitments.
