Sonam Wangchuk Ends 26-Day Hunger Strike After Government Assurance on Jantar Mantar Protesters

Sonam Wangchuk, a prominent environmental activist, ended his 26-day hunger strike on Wednesday after the government assured him that no legal action would be taken against protesters gathered at the Jantar Mantar site in New Delhi, according to reports.

India's state and health ministers visited Wangchuk in the hospital where he was being treated, leading to the breakthrough. The activist had been on hunger strike to express solidarity with students and youth protesting alleged irregularities in national entrance examinations.

Reacting to the development, Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), wrote on social media platform X: "We are relieved and grateful that Sonam sir has ended his hunger strike after 26 days." However, he added: "The CJP's peaceful protest at Jantar Mantar will continue until Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns."

The CJP, which describes itself as a youth movement, emerged in May as an online satirical campaign against paper leaks and other irregularities in key Indian exams. It gained widespread support, particularly after a medical entrance exam was cancelled due to a leak. The group demands the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, holding him morally responsible.

Protests have continued in the capital despite a police action on Monday when a march towards Parliament turned violent, leaving scores of protesters and officers injured. The CJP's demonstrations are among the most visible displays of dissent against the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in power since 2014.

The protesters, who self-identify as "cockroaches", have been demonstrating for a month, with some also undertaking hunger strikes. Wangchuk's decision to end his fast has brought temporary respite, but the core demand for the minister's resignation remains unresolved.