New Delhi: Activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day-long hunger strike on Thursday night after receiving written assurances from the Central Government on several key demands related to the ongoing protests over the NEET paper leak and education reforms.
Wangchuk broke his fast at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram in the presence of Union Health Minister JP Nadda and Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office Dr. Jitendra Singh, marking a significant breakthrough after weeks of protests and negotiations.
Centre Initiates Dialogue After High-Level Meeting
According to sources, the breakthrough followed a series of high-level discussions within the government as concerns over Wangchuk’s deteriorating health intensified.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah reportedly held a four-hour meeting with JP Nadda and Dr. Jitendra Singh, during which the government decided to adopt a positive approach towards the activist’s demands while prioritising his health and well-being.
Following the meeting, Dr. Jitendra Singh spoke with Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali Angmo, assuring her that the government was committed to addressing the issues raised by the activist and urging her to persuade him to end his fast.
Later in the evening, JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh personally met Wangchuk at the hospital and handed over an official assurance letter from the government.
Centre To Hold Talks With CJP Delegation
As part of the assurances, the Centre agreed to hold discussions with a delegation of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at a neutral venue on Friday.
The decision came after the CJP leadership declined the government’s earlier invitation for talks at JP Nadda’s residence or office, insisting that discussions should take place either at Jantar Mantar or another neutral location.
Facilitating dialogue between the government and protesters had been one of Wangchuk’s primary demands.
Government Positive On Key Demands
During the meeting, the government also assured Wangchuk that a new Bill under the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) framework would be introduced in Parliament next week. The proposal is expected to receive Cabinet approval shortly.
Reading out the government’s assurances, JP Nadda stated that authorities were positive about not initiating legal action against individuals who participated in peaceful demonstrations at Jantar Mantar and the ‘Chalo Parliament’ march held on July 20, 2026.
The Health Minister further said that the government had already agreed to hold discussions in Parliament on paper leaks and broader education reforms.
He also said the Centre was positively considering suitable compensation for the families of students who allegedly died by suicide following the recent NEET paper leak controversy.
PM Modi Wishes Wangchuk Good Health
After Wangchuk announced the end of his hunger strike, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his wishes through a post on X.
“I urge Sonam ji to follow his daily routine as advised by the doctors and regain his weight as soon as possible. I pray to the Almighty that Sonam ji remains healthy,” the Prime Minister wrote.
Wangchuk To Return To Ladakh
After ending his fast, Wangchuk expressed his intention to return to Ladakh.
According to sources, before leaving, he plans to meet students and supporters associated with the protest movement and urge them to maintain faith in the government’s assurances.
He also appealed to protesters to continue their agitation peacefully and remain vigilant against any anti-social elements attempting to disrupt the movement.
Wangchuk assured the government that he would continue promoting constructive dialogue and encourage students to remain patient as discussions between the Centre and the protesters move forward.
