Sonam Wangchuk Ends Hunger Strike After Government Assurances on Student Protests
New Delhi: Activist Sonam Wangchuk has agreed to end his hunger strike after the government provided written assurances on key demands related to student protests that have shaken the capital. In a letter released from Medanta Hospital in Gurgaon, where he is being treated, Wangchuk stated that Union Ministers J P Nadda and Jitendra Singh had assured him that the government would consider adequate compensation for families of students who died by suicide after an examination paper leak, and hold a meaningful parliamentary discussion on accountability, including the possibility of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation.
Wangchuk, however, made his decision conditional on the government's unequivocal assurance that no student protester would face punitive or retaliatory legal action. 'If the government gives such an assurance, I will end my fast with faith that the government has heard not only my appeal but also the aspirations of lakhs of young Indians,' he wrote. In the absence of such assurance, he said he would continue fasting indefinitely.
The activist's letter came amid intensified government efforts to defuse the crisis, which began with student demonstrations over the paper leak and expanded into a broader movement demanding education reforms and accountability. The protests have drawn support from opposition parties, with Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge joining a sit-in outside the Prime Minister's residence.
While the government has expressed readiness for a detailed parliamentary discussion, the student protest group, known as the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), reiterated its demand for Pradhan's resignation, compensation of Rs 1 crore for each family of students who died, no persecution of peaceful protesters, and prosecution of police officers involved in alleged atrocities. CJP spokesperson Saurav Das said the group would meet ministers only at a neutral venue, rejecting the government's suggestion of holding talks at Nadda's official residence.
Official sources expressed confidence that the protests would end soon, and the ruling BJP viewed Wangchuk's softening stance—not insisting on Pradhan's resignation—as a positive sign. The government has clarified it is ready for a 'detailed' discussion in Parliament. Congress leader K C Venugopal said the issue should be top priority, adding that the entire nation feels the pain of students and that Pradhan's resignation remains a demand.
The developments suggest a potential resolution to the weeks-long impasse, which has paralysed parts of central Delhi and dominated political discourse. Wangchuk, known for his educational initiatives in Ladakh, had been on hunger strike for 25 days, drawing attention to the students' plight.
