Sonam Wangchuk’s Wife Gitanjali Angmo Defends Him After 26-Day Hunger Strike Ends, Urges Critics To ‘Have a Heart’
Gitanjali Angmo, wife of activist Sonam Wangchuk, on Friday strongly defended her husband's decision to end his 26-day hunger strike, urging critics and political observers to show compassion rather than rushing to judge his actions. Wangchuk called off his fast late Thursday night at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram.
Social activist Sonam Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali Angmo, has appealed for empathy after her husband ended his 26-day hunger strike linked to the nationwide protests over the alleged NEET paper leak. Responding to criticism on social media, Angmo urged people to "have a heart," highlighting the physical and emotional toll of the prolonged fast and asking critics to refrain from judging his decision to end the protest.
Sonam Wangchuk’s Wife Gitanjali Angmo Responds to Online Criticism
Soon after Wangchuk announced the end of his hunger strike, some social media users questioned his decision, prompting a response from Gitanjali Angmo. In a message shared online, she said Wangchuk had fasted for 26 days and is currently receiving treatment in an intensive care unit (ICU). She urged people to show compassion rather than criticise him, saying the fast had taken a significant toll on his health. Sonam Wangchuk Ends Hunger Strike After 26 Days (Watch Video).
Gitanjali Angmo Defends Sonam Wangchuk After He Ends 26-Day Hunger Strike
Wangchuk Ended Fast After Government Assurances
Sonam Wangchuk ended his indefinite hunger strike after discussions with Union ministers and following assurances from the Centre on several demands related to the ongoing examination reform protests. According to reports, Wangchuk said he decided to end the fast after negotiations and concerns over possible violence, while the government assured that peaceful protesters would not face legal action and agreed to continue discussions on key issues.
Protest Movement Continues
Although Wangchuk has ended his fast, the broader protest movement has not concluded. Organisers have said demonstrations will continue as they press for further action on alleged examination irregularities and other demands. Protest leaders have also continued discussions with the government, which has sought additional time to respond to some of the protesters' demands. Sonam Wangchuk Appeals for Peace Amid CJP Protests, Says ‘Peace and Only Peace Is My Way’.
Wangchuk's hunger strike became one of the most visible symbols of the nationwide movement that emerged after allegations of irregularities in public examinations, including the NEET paper leak.
During the protests, the Centre announced a series of measures aimed at strengthening the examination system, including a proposed law with stricter penalties for paper leaks and administrative reforms within the National Testing Agency (NTA). Wangchuk's decision to end his fast followed these developments, even as protesters vowed to continue their campaign for broader reforms.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 24, 2026 10:02 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).