India News : Social activist Sonam Wangchuk has ended his 26-day hunger strike after receiving a written assurance from the Central Government. Announcing his decision in a video message, Wangchuk said he called off the fast only after the government agreed to provide its commitments in writing.
Late on Tuesday night, Union Ministers J.P. Nadda and Dr. Jitendra Singh met Wangchuk. Senior members of the Ladakh Apex Body were also present during the meeting.
Earlier, around 65 Members of Parliament from various political parties had met Wangchuk and appealed to him to end his hunger strike. They assured him that the issues of the NEET paper leak and reforms in the examination system would be discussed in Parliament.
Written Assurance Took Two Days of Negotiations
Wangchuk said discussions with the government had been underway for the past two days. He insisted that any assurance must be given in writing, which delayed the final agreement and forced him to continue his fast for two additional days.
He added that he was prepared to continue the hunger strike for even longer if necessary, but ultimately the government accepted his demand and issued a written assurance.
Three Key Assurances Given by the Government
According to Wangchuk, the government agreed to the following three points:
- No cases will be registered against those who participated in the peaceful protest at Jantar Mantar or those who joined the July 20 Parliament march.
- Parliament will hold a discussion on preventing examination paper leaks and reforming the examination system to find a long-term solution.
- The government will positively consider providing appropriate compensation to the families of students who allegedly died by suicide following the recent NEET paper leak controversy.
Wangchuk Thanks Supporters and MPs
In his second video message after ending the fast, Wangchuk thanked the leaders of the Ladakh Apex Body who travelled to Delhi to support him. He also expressed gratitude to the MPs from different political parties who met him and appealed for an end to his protest.
Reflecting on the end of his fast, Wangchuk said he had eaten for the first time in 26 days. He remarked that while the food tasted wonderful, “Hunger itself has no taste.”
