Sonam Wangchuk Appeals for Peace Amid CJP Protests, Says ‘Peace and Only Peace Is My Way’

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk on Thursday, July 23, appealed for calm amid the ongoing Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led protests over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak, urging demonstrators to remain peaceful despite reports of violence at some locations. In a post on X, Wangchuk said the main protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar remained peaceful while alleging that "antisocial elements" were attempting to provoke violence elsewhere.

His appeal comes a day after he said he was willing to end his indefinite hunger strike if the Centre assured him that no force would be used against protesting students and that no FIRs or punitive action would be initiated against them. Delhi Police Clarifies NSA Order, Says It Has No Link to CJP-Led Student Protests.

‘Peace and Only Peace Is My Way’: Sonam Wangchuk

DAY 26

PEACE & ONLY PEACE IS MY WAY…

While at Jantar Mantar the protests remain peaceful I’m pained to learn that elsewhere some antisocial elements are taking advantage of the peaceful protests to provoke violence.

No matter what the other side does our response must only be…

— Sonam Wangchuk (@Wangchuk66) July 23, 2026

'PEACE & ONLY PEACE IS MY WAY'

Sharing a message on X, Wangchuk urged protesters to maintain non-violence under all circumstances. "DAY 26 PEACE & ONLY PEACE IS MY WAY… While at Jantar Mantar the protests remain peaceful I’m pained to learn that elsewhere some antisocial elements are taking advantage of the peaceful protests to provoke violence. No matter what the other side does our response must only be flowers. Please keep this tradition at all costs."

He said he was saddened by reports of violence outside the main protest site and appealed to supporters not to respond with aggression. PM Narendra Modi Announces Fast-Track Courts for Paper Leak Cases Amid CJP-Led Student Protests.

Hunger Strike Continues

Wangchuk, who is undergoing treatment at a Gurugram hospital, said in a video message that he had lost around 11 kg during his 25-day indefinite fast but remained determined. "I am still alive. This is the 25th day of my fast. I have lost around 11 kg of weight. I have lost muscles. But I am alright," he said.

He added that he wished to resume his work but wanted assurances from the government before ending the fast. "I want to start my work, but I request the government not to use force again on students and do not file any charges or FIRs. If I get that assurance, I will break my fast today. If no assurance comes, I will be forced to continue it."

According to Wangchuk, he decided to continue the fast after the police action during Monday's 'Chalo Sansad' march organised by the CJP.

Calling the police action "brutal", he praised students for remaining peaceful. "I want to appreciate all the students who received batons but did not attack, even though they were provoked and people were brought to do stone pelting," he said.

In a letter addressed to Union ministers J.P. Nadda and Jitendra Singh, Wangchuk said the two leaders had met him in hospital and assured him that the government would positively consider compensation for families of students who died by suicide following the alleged NEET paper leak.

He also said the ministers assured him that Parliament would hold a meaningful discussion on examination reforms and accountability, including considering the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

However, Wangchuk reiterated that he would end his fast only after receiving a clear assurance that no action would be taken against protesting students. "Their only 'offence' has been to raise their voice for a fair and accountable education system," he wrote.

Sharing the letter on X, Wangchuk said that once such an assurance was received, he would appeal to students to suspend the agitation and begin dialogue with the government.

He also said that 65 Members of Parliament from different political parties, along with several Union ministers, had urged him to end his fast, saying he was needed for the country's future.

Wangchuk has been on an indefinite hunger strike since June 28 after joining the CJP-led agitation over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, demands for education reforms and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

He is currently undergoing treatment at a Gurugram hospital after being shifted from Safdarjung Hospital following a Delhi High Court order.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 23, 2026 11:20 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).