Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has officially ended his 26-day indefinite hunger strike after receiving written assurances from the Central government that no legal action will be taken against students and youth who participated peacefully in the July 20 protest march and demonstrations at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar.
The activist shared the government’s written commitment through a video posted on his official X account, saying the assurance played a key role in his decision to end the fast.
Government Promises No Cases Against Peaceful Protesters
According to the written statement signed by Union ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh, the government has assured that no cases will be registered against those who participated peacefully in the protest movement.
Sharing the document, Wangchuk said the Centre had agreed that students and young protesters who exercised their democratic right to protest would not face any punitive or retaliatory action.
This assurance came after Wangchuk had earlier written to the government requesting an unequivocal guarantee that no participant in the movement would be targeted legally.
Hunger Strike Lasted 26 Days
Wangchuk began his indefinite fast on June 28, demanding accountability over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination and seeking the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
During the protest, he reportedly lost around 11 kilograms and continued his fast despite health concerns. On July 18, Delhi Police shifted him from the Jantar Mantar protest site to Safdarjung Hospital. However, after his wife approached the Delhi High Court, he was transferred to a private hospital of his choice.
Other Assurances Given by the Government
Apart from agreeing not to take action against peaceful protesters, the Centre also promised to discuss alleged NEET examination irregularities and reforms to the examination system in Parliament.
The government further stated that it is positively considering suitable compensation for families of students who allegedly died by suicide following the NEET paper leak controversy.
These commitments were included in the written assurance that Wangchuk shared publicly.
Ministers Met Wangchuk Before Fast Ended
In his video message, Wangchuk revealed that Union ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh personally visited him at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram before he ended the hunger strike.
He also thanked members of Ladakh’s Apex Body and noted that nearly 65 Members of Parliament from different political parties had either visited him or extended support, urging him to call off the fast.
According to Wangchuk, discussions with the government continued for two extra days mainly over his demand that protesters should not face legal consequences. Once the written assurance was provided, he decided to end the fast.
A Step Towards Dialogue
With the hunger strike now over, attention shifts to whether the government’s promises—including parliamentary discussions on examination reforms and relief for affected families—will translate into concrete action.
For Wangchuk and his supporters, the written assurance marks an important first step, while many students and activists will be closely watching the Centre’s next moves on NEET reforms and accountability.
