What Did Sonam Wangchuk Say After Ending His 26-Day Hunger Strike?

Activist Sonam Wangchuk on Friday said he ended his 26-day hunger strike after receiving written assurances from the Centre that Parliament would discuss accountability in the examination system, the NEET-UG paper leak and broader examination reforms. In a video message recorded moments after breaking his fast and released on Friday morning, Wangchuk said the written assurances also included a commitment that no cases would be filed against peaceful protesters, including participants of the July 20 'Chalo Parliament' march. He also said the government had conveyed that it was "positively considering suitable compensation" for the families of students who died by suicide in the wake of the recent NEET paper leak controversy.

The activist ended his 26-day fast shortly after midnight at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram on July 24 in the presence of Union Health Minister JP Nadda, Union Minister Jitendra Singh and senior leaders of the Apex Body of Leh-Ladakh. Visuals from the hospital showed the two Union ministers offering him his first sip of juice to break the fast, with his wife, Gitanjali Angmo, by his side.

'Needed It In Writing'

In his first video message after ending the fast, Wangchuk said he had insisted on receiving the government's assurances in writing, leading to two days of intense negotiations that prolonged his hunger strike. "For the last two days, we had been having a very strict kind of bargain. I needed assurance, and I needed it in writing. It took two days, and that is why I had to continue the hunger strike for two more days. Finally today, they have given assurance in writing," he said. Sonam Wangchuk Ends Hunger Strike After 26 Days (Watch Video).

Reading out the government's written communication, Wangchuk said, "The government is positive on not registering cases against those protesting peacefully and those participating in the march to Parliament on July 20, 2026."

Sonam Wangchuk Ends 26-Day Hunger Strike After Getting Written Assurance From Centre On NEET Paper Leak, Examination Reforms

He said the decision to end his fast also came after around 65 Members of Parliament from different political parties appealed to him to withdraw his protest and assured him that the issues surrounding the NEET paper leak and examination reforms would be discussed in Parliament.

PM Modi's Message

After Wangchuk announced the end of his hunger strike, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a post on X, "I urge Sonam ji to follow the doctors' advice, resume his daily routine, and regain his weight at the earliest." "I pray to the Almighty that Sonam ji remains healthy," the prime minister added. PM Narendra Modi Urges Sonam Wangchuk To Regain Health After Ending 26-Day Fast.

Pellet Gun Claims, CJP's Stand

Meanwhile, protesters claimed that pellet guns were used during the CJP's 'Chalo Parliament' march in New Delhi. India Today Digital spoke to one protester whose medico-legal report records pellet injuries sustained during the police action.

The Cockroach Janta Party also welcomed Wangchuk's decision to end his hunger strike, saying it was "relieved and grateful", but maintained that its peaceful protest at Jantar Mantar would continue until Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns. In a post on X, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke thanked Wangchuk for his "extraordinary courage and sacrifice."

"We are relieved and grateful that Sonam sir has ended his hunger strike after 26 days. Thank you, sir, for your extraordinary courage and sacrifice. By putting your own life on the line, you awakened the conscience of an entire nation. Your life is far too precious to this country," Dipke said. "The Cockroach Janta Party's peaceful protest at Jantar Mantar will continue until Dharmendra Pradhan resigns," he added.

Apart from demanding Pradhan's resignation, CJP has sought accountability for the irregularities in competitive examinations, comprehensive reforms in the education system, Rs 1 crore compensation for the families of students who died by suicide following the NEET paper leak and the withdrawal of all FIRs and legal action against peaceful protesters involved in the agitation.

Wangchuk's 26-Day Fast

Wangchuk joined the CJP-led protest at Jantar Mantar on June 28 and launched an indefinite hunger strike in support of students seeking accountability for alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, sweeping reforms in the education system, and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Over the course of his 26-day fast, Wangchuk lost around 11 kg and repeatedly urged supporters to keep the agitation peaceful, even after police action during the July 20 'Chalo Parliament' march.

On July 18, Delhi Police shifted him from the protest site to Safdarjung Hospital, citing the need for medical care. His wife, Gitanjali Angmo, moved the Delhi High Court, arguing that he was being kept at the government hospital against his wishes. The court later allowed his transfer to Medanta Hospital in Gurugram, where he continued his hunger strike.

Earlier, while undergoing treatment at Medanta, Wangchuk said he wished to return to his students and resume his work as an educator, but maintained that he would not end his fast until adequate safeguards were ensured for the protesting students.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 24, 2026 08:52 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).