New Delhi: Social activist and education reform advocate Sonam Wangchuk on Friday ended his 26-day hunger strike after receiving assurances from the Union Government and Members of Parliament across political parties that the issue of accountability in India’s examination system would be discussed in Parliament.This written promise of the Central Govt was read out in front of Sonam Wangchuk by Union Minister J P Nadda in the presence of Union minister of State Dr Jitendra Singh and some locla leaders of Laddakh in the hospital today.

According to the assurances conveyed during the negotiations, the government agreed that concerns surrounding the country’s examination system, including accountability in the wake of recent controversies, would be taken up on the floor of the Indian Parliament. The government also assured that the families of students who allegedly died by suicide following the recent NEET examination paper leak would receive adequate compensation. In addition, it was stated that no criminal cases would be registered against students and youths who participated peacefully in the ongoing protests.

The development brought an end to Wangchuk’s nearly month-long fast, which had drawn nationwide attention and witnessed support from student groups, civil society organisations, and political leaders cutting across party lines.

Wangchuk Shares Statement on X

Announcing the end of his fast through a post on social media platform X, Sonam Wangchuk said he concluded the hunger strike in the presence of Union Health Minister  J.P. Nadda, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, and senior leaders of the Apex Body of Leh, Ladakh.

“Just now, in the presence of Union Ministers Sh. JP Nadda, Dr. Jitendra Singh and the senior leaders of Apex Body of Leh Ladakh, I finally broke my fast after 26 days,” Wangchuk wrote.

He further revealed that 65 Members of Parliament from different political parties had either personally visited him or signed letters urging him to end the fast. According to Wangchuk, his decision followed prolonged negotiations over several conditions and was also influenced by concerns about the possibility of violence if the agitation continued.

He said the agreement had been reached after extensive discussions with various stakeholders and assured that he would soon release a detailed video explaining all the conditions under which he decided to call off the fast.

Appeal for Peace and Vigilance

While thanking supporters for standing by the movement, Wangchuk appealed to citizens, students and youth across the country to maintain peace and ensure that the movement remains non-violent.

He urged people to remain vigilant and not allow any form of violence to take place anywhere, emphasizing that peaceful and democratic methods should continue to guide public movements.

The conclusion of Wangchuk’s 26-day hunger strike marks a significant development in the ongoing debate over examination reforms and accountability. Attention will now shift to the government’s implementation of the assurances made during the negotiations, particularly the promised parliamentary discussion, compensation for affected families, and protection of students who participated in peaceful protests.