New Delhi, 24 July
Sonam Wangchuk Breaks 26-Day Fast, Says He Will Explain Conditions Soon
Activist Sonam Wangchuk breaks 26-day fast after prolonged negotiations with the Centre, bringing an end to his indefinite hunger strike late Thursday night at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram. The development came shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the Union Cabinet would discuss a proposed Anti-Paper Leak Bill with stricter punishments and fast-track courts.
The hunger strike ended in the presence of Union Ministers JP Nadda and Dr. Jitendra Singh, along with senior leaders of the Apex Body of Leh-Ladakh.
Sharing the update on X, Wangchuk wrote, “Just now in the presence of Union Ministers JP Nadda & Dr. Jitendra Singh and the senior leaders of Apex Body of Leh Ladakh I finally broke my fast after 26 days.”
Sonam Wangchuk Says He Will Explain the Conditions Soon
After Sonam Wangchuk breaks 26-day fast, he revealed that his decision followed extensive discussions and appeals from political leaders across party lines. According to Wangchuk, 65 Members of Parliament either met him personally or signed letters requesting him to end the fast.
He said the decision was taken after long negotiations and due to concerns over possible violence in different parts of the country.
“This was done after a long negotiation 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.
He also urged supporters to remain peaceful and not allow violence of any kind during the ongoing protests.
PM Modi Announces Tough Action Against Paper Leaks
The announcement that Sonam Wangchuk breaks 26-day fast came hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured students that the government would introduce stricter measures against examination paper leaks.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister said several accused involved in paper leak cases had already been arrested and sent to jail. He also noted that the government successfully conducted a re-examination for nearly 22 lakh NEET-UG candidates before declaring the results.
Modi said he had directed officials to prepare a draft law introducing fast-track courts and stricter punishment for those responsible for paper leaks.
“The draft with provisions for fast-track courts and strict punishment will be discussed in the Cabinet tomorrow. After suggestions from Cabinet colleagues, it will be finalized and efforts will be made to pass the bill in Parliament as soon as possible,” the Prime Minister said.
The proposed legislation is expected to be introduced during the second week of the Monsoon Session of Parliament.
PM Modi and Abhijeet Dipke React
Following the news that Sonam Wangchuk breaks 26-day fast, Prime Minister Modi wished the activist a speedy recovery and urged him to follow doctors’ advice.
“I urge Sonam ji to follow the doctors’ advice and regain her old weight as soon as possible. I pray that Sonam ji remains healthy,” Modi posted on X.
Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke also welcomed Wangchuk’s decision and thanked him for what he described as an extraordinary sacrifice.
“We are relieved and grateful that Sonam sir has ended his hunger strike after 26 days. Thank you for your extraordinary courage and sacrifice. By putting your own life on the line, you awakened the conscience of an entire nation,” Dipke said.
However, Dipke clarified that the CJP’s peaceful protest at Jantar Mantar would continue until Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns.
NEET-UG Protest Movement Continues
Although Sonam Wangchuk breaks 26-day fast, the nationwide movement over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak is far from over.
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has been leading protests at Jantar Mantar since June 20, demanding accountability for examination irregularities, reforms in the education system, and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Wangchuk joined the protest on June 28 before beginning his indefinite hunger strike in support of the movement.
The CJP has now called for peaceful nationwide demonstrations on July 24, saying its campaign will continue until its key demands are met.