New Delhi, 22 July
‘Still Alive’: Sonam Wangchuk Offers to End Hunger Strike If Students Are Protected
Sonam Wangchuk Offers to End his 25-day-long hunger strike if the Central government assures that no legal or punitive action will be taken against students who participated in the ‘Chalo Sansad’ march over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak. Speaking from Medanta Hospital in Gurugram on Wednesday, the activist said his only condition for ending the fast is the protection of students who joined the nationwide protest.
The social reformer released a video message beginning with the words, “I am still alive,” informing supporters that he had lost around 11 kilograms during the indefinite fast. Despite his deteriorating health, he said he remained committed to the movement seeking accountability in India’s education system.
Sonam Wangchuk Offers to End Hunger Strike After 25 Days
In the video, Sonam Wangchuk Offers to End the hunger strike immediately if the government guarantees that students will not face FIRs, criminal cases, or any other legal consequences for participating in the demonstrations.
He praised the students for maintaining peace despite the alleged police action during the march towards Parliament in New Delhi. According to Wangchuk, their discipline and restraint inspired him to continue his fast after witnessing reports of the alleged lathi-charge and mass detentions.
The activist said he respects the appeals made by political leaders, supporters, and well-wishers asking him to end the protest but believes student safety must come first.
Appeals to Government to Protect Students
Explaining his decision, Sonam Wangchuk Offers to End the fast only if the government publicly assures that no student will be harassed through police investigations or legal proceedings.
He said the young protesters had participated peacefully to demand transparency in competitive examinations and accountability over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak. According to Wangchuk, students should not suffer legal consequences for exercising their democratic right to protest.
However, he made it clear that if such an assurance is not provided, he will continue the hunger strike despite concerns over his health.
Letter Sent to Union Ministers
Earlier in the day, Sonam Wangchuk Offers to End the hunger strike through a letter addressed to Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda and Union Minister Jitendra Singh.
In the letter, Wangchuk said both ministers visited him at Medanta Hospital on Tuesday night and assured him that the government would positively consider providing compensation to families of students who allegedly died by suicide following the NEET controversy.
The letter also mentioned that Parliament would hold discussions on examination irregularities and accountability, including issues raised by protesting students.
Growing Political Support
The movement has continued to attract support from political leaders across the country. Wangchuk stated that nearly 65 Members of Parliament from different political parties have written to him requesting that he end his fast. Several MPs have also met him personally at the hospital.
Despite these appeals, Sonam Wangchuk Offers to End the hunger strike only after receiving an official assurance that participating students will not face retaliation.
He said protecting young protesters remains his highest priority.
Hunger Strike Continues Pending Government Response
The Sonam Wangchuk Offers to End campaign began after the activist joined an indefinite hunger strike on June 28, demanding accountability over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, reforms in the education system, and action on issues raised by students.
As his fast entered its 25th day, Wangchuk expressed hope that the government would respond positively and engage in meaningful dialogue. Until then, Sonam Wangchuk Offers to End the hunger strike only on the condition that students involved in the movement are protected from legal action.
The development has drawn nationwide attention, with students, education activists, and political leaders closely watching the government’s response. For now, Sonam Wangchuk Offers to End his fast remains conditional, with the assurance sought for students becoming the central demand of his protest.