Written Assurances End Sonam Wangchuk’s 26-Day Hunger Strike
Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike after receiving written assurances from the Centre on examination accountability, NEET reforms, and peaceful protests. PM Modi wished him a speedy recovery, while the wider CJP agitation at Jantar Mantar continues.
What Changed After 26 Days of Protest
New Delhi, July 24, 2026: Activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram after receiving written assurances from the Centre concerning examination accountability, peaceful protesters, and wider reforms. Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh were present when he broke the fast, while his wife, Gitanjali Angmo, stood beside him.
Written Commitments Bring the Fast to a Close
Wangchuk had begun his indefinite hunger strike on June 28 after joining the Cockroach Janta Party-led agitation at Jantar Mantar. The protesters have sought accountability over alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG 2026 examination, structural reforms in the education system, and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
After ending the fast, Wangchuk said he had insisted that the government provide its assurances in writing. According to his account, negotiations continued for two days before an understanding was reached.
He also said nearly 65 Members of Parliament from different parties had visited him or appealed to him to withdraw the hunger strike. Concern about possible violence was another reason behind his decision. Wangchuk urged supporters to remain peaceful and not allow provocations to derail the movement.
What the Centre Reportedly Assured Wangchuk
Wangchuk said the written communication indicated that issues involving paper-leak accountability, the NEET-UG controversy, and examination reforms would be discussed in Parliament.
He also said the government was positive about avoiding legal action against people involved in peaceful demonstrations, including participants in the July 20 march towards Parliament. Another reported assurance concerned suitable compensation for families affected by student deaths linked to the examination controversy.
These commitments were described by Wangchuk following the negotiations. The government had not, at the time of reporting, accepted every demand raised by the protesters, including the call for Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation.
PM Modi Urges Wangchuk to Focus on Recovery
Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the end of the hunger strike and urged Wangchuk to follow medical advice, gradually resume his routine, and regain the weight he had lost during the prolonged fast.
Modi also wished him good health. Reports said Wangchuk had lost around 11 kilograms while continuing his hunger strike and had required close medical monitoring.
Paper-Leak Cases May Get Fast-Track Courts
Wangchuk’s decision came as the Centre announced further measures to address examination paper leaks. PM Modi said the government was moving towards fast-track courts and stricter punishment for people found responsible for compromising public examinations.
The proposed steps are intended to accelerate trials and strengthen action under the legal framework dealing with unfair practices in public examinations. The government has maintained that protecting students from losing an academic year was an immediate priority, alongside pursuing those accused of involvement in the alleged paper leak.
CJP Protest Continues at Jantar Mantar
Although Wangchuk has ended his hunger strike, the wider CJP-led agitation has not concluded. The organisation said its peaceful protest would continue and repeated its demand for Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation.
The group is also seeking wider examination reforms, accountability for alleged irregularities, protection for peaceful protesters, and support for affected families.
Wangchuk’s decision marks an important change in the protest, but it does not close the political and public debate surrounding NEET-UG 2026. Attention will now turn to Parliament, the proposed legal measures, and the implementation of the assurances described by Wangchuk.
