New Delhi: Activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike on Thursday night after the Centre assured him that it would positively consider several key demands linked to the ongoing student protests over the alleged NEET paper leak controversy.
Wangchuk broke his fast at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram in the presence of Union Health Minister JP Nadda and Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office Dr Jitendra Singh, marking the end of nearly four weeks of protests that had drawn nationwide attention.
Centre Holds High-Level Talks
According to sources, the breakthrough followed an intensive day of discussions within the government. As concerns over Wangchuk’s deteriorating health and the growing student protests mounted, Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a four-hour meeting with JP Nadda and Dr Jitendra Singh.
Sources said the government decided to adopt a positive approach towards Wangchuk’s demands while prioritising his health and well-being.
Following the meeting, Dr Jitendra Singh spoke with Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali Angmo, assuring her that the Centre was committed to addressing the concerns raised by the activist and urged her to persuade him to end his fast.
Ministers Hand Over Government’s Assurance
Later in the evening, JP Nadda and Dr Jitendra Singh personally visited Wangchuk at Medanta Hospital and handed him the government’s written assurance.
According to sources, the ministers informed Wangchuk that the Centre would invite representatives of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) for discussions at a neutral venue on Friday.
Earlier in the day, CJP leaders had rejected the government’s proposal to hold talks at JP Nadda’s residence or office, insisting that discussions should either take place at Jantar Mantar or another neutral location.
Facilitating direct talks between the government and protesters had been one of Wangchuk’s principal demands.
Government Signals New Legislation
Sources also revealed that Wangchuk was informed about the government’s plan to introduce a new Bill under the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) framework in Parliament next week. The proposal is expected to receive Cabinet approval shortly.
Apart from legislative action, the Centre also expressed its willingness to consider several additional demands raised by the protesters, including assurances that peaceful student demonstrators would not face legal action.
Reading out the government’s assurances at the hospital, JP Nadda said:
“The government is positive on not registering cases against those protesting peacefully at Jantar Mantar in Delhi and those who participated in the march to Parliament on July 20, 2026.”
He further stated that the government had already agreed to hold discussions in Parliament on paper leaks and broader education reforms.
“Besides, the government is also positively considering suitable compensation for the suicide victims of the recent NEET paper leaks,” Nadda added.
PM Modi Wishes Wangchuk Good Health
After Wangchuk announced the end of his fast, Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the development and extended his wishes for the activist’s recovery.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister wrote:
“I urge Sonam ji to follow his daily routine as advised by the doctors and regain his weight as soon as possible.”
He further added:
“I pray to the Almighty that Sonam ji remains healthy.”
Wangchuk Plans Return To Ladakh
Following the conclusion of his fast, Wangchuk said he wished to return to Ladakh.
However, according to sources, before leaving Delhi he plans to meet students and supporters associated with the movement to encourage them to maintain faith in the government’s assurances.
He also assured the visiting ministers that he would continue advocating peaceful protests and urge demonstrators not to be influenced by “anti-social elements” that could derail the movement.
Sources added that Wangchuk pledged to promote constructive dialogue while encouraging students to remain patient as discussions between the government and protesters move forward.