New Delhi: Activist Sonam Wangchuk on Friday ended his 26-day hunger strike over the NEET paper leak and education reforms. He broke his fast in the presence of Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram.
A tense standoff ends
Wangchuk had gone on an indefinite fast on June 28, demanding accountability in the country’s examination system. His health had deteriorated, prompting his shift to the hospital for close medical monitoring.
On Friday night, visuals showed him sipping a warm drink with help from the two ministers. Family members blessed him as he sat upright, while doctors confirmed his condition was stable.
“Long negotiation” behind closed doors
In a post on X, Wangchuk said he ended the fast “after a long negotiation on various conditions and in view of possible violence in the country.” He added that he would explain the conditions in detail in a separate video soon.
Sources close to the talks said the government gave assurances on several key points, including:
- No criminal cases against students and youth who took part in peaceful protests at Jantar Mantar and the July 20 march to Parliament
- A discussion in Parliament on paper leaks and education reforms during the Monsoon Session
- Positive consideration of compensation for families of students who died by suicide after the NEET controversy
What the government says
Union Health Minister JP Nadda, who met Wangchuk alongside Dr Jitendra Singh, read out the government’s assurances. He said the Centre is “positive” on not registering cases against peaceful protesters and on holding a parliamentary debate on the examination system.
CJP vows to continue protests
Even as Wangchuk broke his fast, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) said its agitation would go on. The student-led movement has been demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in NEET and other exams.
What’s next?
All eyes are now on Wangchuk’s promised video, where he is expected to reveal the exact terms of the deal. The student movement, meanwhile, faces a crucial question: will the government’s assurances be enough to end the protests, or will the demand for Pradhan’s resignation keep the agitation alive?
