'Will End My Fast If…': Sonam Wangchuk Urges Govt To Not Take Action Against Protesting Students

Last Updated:July 22, 2026, 17:38 IST

Sonam Wangchuk has been on an indefinite hunger strike for the last 25 days in support of students demanding accountability over alleged paper leaks.

Sonam Wangchuk Hunger Strike: Climate activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk on Wednesday said that he will end his hunger strike if the Central Government gives an unequivocal assurance that no punitive or retaliatory legal action will be taken against students and protesters who participated in the nationwide movement over the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak.

In a letter addressed to Union Minister JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh, who met him at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram yesterday, Wangchuk thanked the two leaders for visiting him and appealing to him to end his fast.

He said that the ministers assured him that the government would positively consider compensation for families of students who died by suicide following the examination paper leak and hold a meaningful discussion in Parliament on accountability, including consideration of the Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation.

“During our discussion, you assured me that the Government would positively consider the following: Adequate compensation for the families of students who committed suicide following the examination paper leak. A meaningful discussion in Parliament to ensure accountability, including consideration of the resignation of the Hon’ble Education Minister," he said in the letter.

However, Wangchuk said one key assurance was still required before he could call off his fast.

“Therefore, I respectfully request an unequivocal assurance from the Government that none of the young protesters will face any punitive or retaliatory legal action for participating in this movement. Their only ‘offence’ has been to raise their voice for a fair and accountable education system."

He added, “If such an assurance is given, I shall end my fast with faith that the Government has heard not only my appeal but also the aspirations of lakhs of young Indians. In the absence of such an assurance, I will be forced to continue my fast indefinitely."

Wangchuk also expressed hope that there would be no further use of excessive police force against the ongoing movement. Referring to the July 20 “Chalo Sansad" march, he claimed the protest had remained peaceful despite what he described as disproportionate police action, and urged the government not to pursue legal cases or harassment against those who participated.

The activist said nearly 65 Members of Parliament from across party lines had written to him or met him, urging him to end the hunger strike and return to his work in education. “I want to live. I want to return to my students, to education, and to the work that has defined my life. But I cannot do so at the cost of the very young people for whom this movement began," he wrote.

Nadda and Jitendra Singh met Wangchuk on Tuesday night at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram, where he was shifted after being discharged from Safdarjung Hospital following directions from the Delhi High Court.

Wangchuk has been on an indefinite hunger strike for the last 25 days in support of students demanding accountability over alleged examination irregularities.

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Shobhit Gupta

Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degre...Read More

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