HighLights
  1. Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike.
  2. Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh present.
  3. Wangchuk broke fast at Medanta Hospital.

Activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day-long hunger strike in the presence of Union Ministers - JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh - at midnight. His wife, Gitanjali Angmo, was also present when he broke his fast, which he began after joining the Cockroach Janta Party-led protest at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, seeking reforms in the education sector. 

The climate and education activist concluded his fast after receiving an assurance from the government. Wangchuk began the indefinite fast on June 28 at Jantar Mantar to protest against paper leaks and demand systemic education reforms.

ALSO READ: 'More Strict Action In Tomorrow’s Cabinet Meet': PM Modi In Video Message To Nation As Paper Leak Protests Rock Nation

Wangchuk confirmed the ending of his hunger strike, which he began seeking reforms in the education sector, following incidents of paper leaks.

What Wanchuk Said After Ending His Fast

"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. Earlier 65 members of parliament from different political parties had visited or signed letters urging me to break the fast. 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. Meanwhile I urge you all to stay very vigilant about not allowing violence of any kind anywhere," the activist wrote on X.

'More Strict Action In Tomorrow’s Cabinet Meet': PM Modi

The development comes around an hour after Prime Minister Narendra Modi released a video message, announcing that more action on the paper leaks will be taken in the Cabinet meeting on Friday. "Paper leak is not an ordinary issue. It is very painful for lakhs of students and their families. That is why many steps have been taken in the last two and a half months," the prime minister said.

ALSO READ: Top Education Ministry Officials Removed As NEET Paper Leak Protests Swell Across India

Earlier on July 22, Wangchuk said he would end his indefinite hunger strike if the Centre assures him that no force would be used against the protesting students and no FIRs or other punitive action would be taken against them, asserting that even though he has lost around 11 kg during the fast, he wants to return to his work.

In a video message from Gurugram's Medanta Hospital, Wangchuk, who appeared visibly frail, said, "I am still alive. This is the 25th day of my fast. I have lost around 11 kg of weight. I have lost muscles. But I am alright. I want to start my work, but I request the government not to use force again on students and do not file any charges or FIRs. I need an assurance for that. If I get that assurance, I will break my fast today. If no assurance comes, I will be forced to continue it," he added.

Wangchuk said he has decided to continue his fast after the police action on protesters during Monday's "Chalo Sansad" march organised by the Cockroach Janta Party.

(With Agencies Inputs)


Also In News