New Delhi: Activist Sonam Wangchuk on Thursday ended his 26-day hunger strike after holding discussions with the Central government and receiving appeals from Members of Parliament across party lines, saying the decision was taken following assurances on key issues and to avoid any possibility of violence.
Wangchuk broke his fast 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. In a post on X, he said the decision followed extensive negotiations with the government and support from 65 Members of Parliament who either visited him or signed letters urging him to end the protest.
According to Wangchuk, the government assured that concerns over the alleged NEET paper leak and accountability in the examination system would be taken up for discussion in Parliament. He also claimed that families of students who allegedly died by suicide in connection with the controversy would receive appropriate compensation.
Wangchuk further stated that the government had assured no legal action would be taken against students and youths who participated in peaceful demonstrations over the issue.
Explaining his decision, the activist said the possibility of unrest if the agitation continued was also a factor in ending the fast. He urged people across the country to remain peaceful and not allow violence in any form.
“I will explain the conditions in detail in a separate video very soon,” Wangchuk said in his post, adding that the negotiations and assurances leading to the end of his fast would be shared publicly.
The hunger strike, which lasted 26 days, had drawn attention from political leaders and civil society, with MPs from different parties publicly appealing to Wangchuk to conclude his protest.
