Sonam Wangchuk ends 26-day hunger strike; protests continue at Jantar Mantar

New Delhi: Activist Sonam Wangchuk broke his 26-day hunger strike shortly after midnight on July 24, following negotiations with the central government. The decision came after what he described as 'long negotiations' and was made in the presence of Union Health Minister J P Nadda and Union Minister Jitendra Singh. In a post on social media platform X, Wangchuk stated he agreed to end the fast 'in view of possible violence in the country' and promised to disclose the conditions under which the decision was taken.

At the protest site at Jantar Mantar, where the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) has been demonstrating since June 28, news of Wangchuk ending his fast did not reach many supporters immediately. Mobile data services remained blocked within a 1.5-km radius of the protest area. Several supporters learned of the development only after stepping outside the zone, and others waiting in line remained unaware. 'We went to Jama Masjid to eat. We got network there and saw that this had happened. Then we came back,' said Avik, a student at the protest.

Despite Wangchuk ending his fast, the protest showed no signs of winding down. Hundreds of people continued to stream through barricades, with long queues waiting to enter. Volunteers distributed food packets, fans, and water, while doctors manned a makeshift medical desk. Slogans and songs continued late into the night, and an impromptu talent show was started to keep the crowd engaged.

Many protesters emphasized that Wangchuk's decision did not change their reasons for being there. 'I think the limelight should shift away from a centralised personality to the issues, because it is the issues that matter,' said a working professional who returned to the site. 'It is about the lives of people. It is about 21 lives who are not here with us anymore.'

Volunteers continued coordinating the line and handing out refreshments through the night. Krishna Yadav, who helps coordinate supplies, said the protest has been sustained by donations from across the country. 'Some people sent medicines, some sent food. With their help, this protest went on.' Asked whether Wangchuk ending his fast would change anything, he said the protest would continue: 'We are here 24 hours.'

However, supplies have thinned. 'Because everything around here has closed, orders are barely coming in. If you check delivery apps, this location doesn’t show up anymore,' said Ayush, a student and friend of Avik. Delivery services appear to have stopped serving the area.

Protesters were divided on what should happen next. Some said the focus had shifted from demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over examination irregularities to broader accountability. Others insisted the original demands remain unchanged. 'We have given you a chance to raise your voice in a democracy. If we are asking, revert with the answer. Say sorry, at least. Come out and say, “I made a mistake.” Then fix it later,' said Vikant, a protester and medical volunteer.

Another volunteer, who declined to be named, expressed mixed feelings: 'In a way, the BJP should be ashamed that such a great scientist fasted for 25 days and his demands have still not been fulfilled. His body could have been damaged, his organs could have been damaged. I’m happy that he has broken his fast, but I’m sad that nothing has been achieved.'

At one point, a weary volunteer told a group pushing to enter: 'Koi fayda nahi hai andar jaane ka (There’s no point going inside now).' One of the boys replied, 'Koi nahi, hum toh kal bhi yahi honge (It’s okay, we’ll be here tomorrow too).'