24 July,2026 11:15 AM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
Wangchuk ended his fast after Centre assured Parliament discussion on examination accountability reforms. Pic/ X
Activist Sonam Wangchuk on Friday ended his 26-day hunger strike, saying he had received assurances from the Centre and lawmakers across political parties that concerns over the country's examination system would be raised in Parliament.
Announcing his decision in a post on X, Wangchuk wrote, "End of hunger... Beginning of accountability." He said the government had assured him that the issue of accountability in the "failing examination system" would be discussed on the floor of Parliament.
According to Wangchuk, the Centre also assured that the families of students who died by suicide in the aftermath of the recent NEET examination paper leak would receive adequate compensation. He further claimed that no criminal cases would be registered against students and youth who participated in peaceful protests.
In a separate post, Wangchuk said he broke his fast in the presence of Union Health Minister JP Nadda, Union Minister Jitendra Singh, and senior leaders of the Apex Body of Leh Ladakh after prolonged negotiations.
He added that 65 Members of Parliament from different political parties had either visited him or signed letters urging him to end his fast.
"This was done after long negotiations on various conditions and in view of possible violence in the country. I will explain the conditions in detail in a separate video very soon," Wangchuk said.
Urging supporters to maintain peace, the activist appealed for restraint amid reports of unrest linked to the ongoing protests.
"While the protests at Jantar Mantar remain peaceful, I'm pained to learn that elsewhere some anti-social 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.
Although Wangchuk has ended his hunger strike, he indicated that the movement would continue through peaceful means, stressing that the end of his fast marked the "beginning of accountability" rather than the end of the campaign.
He also said he would soon release a detailed video explaining the conditions under which he agreed to call off his fast and urged people across the country to remain vigilant and ensure that the protests remain non-violent.
