Activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike late Thursday after receiving assurances from the Centre on several demands linked to the ongoing NEET-UG paper leak protests.
Union Health Minister JP Nadda and Union Minister Jitendra Singh met Wangchuk at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram, where they conveyed the government's commitments. Wangchuk later confirmed on X that he had ended his fast after 26 days.
According to the ministers, the government assured that no legal action would be taken against peaceful protesters at Jantar Mantar or participants in the July 20 'Sansad Chalo' march. The Centre also reiterated its commitment to a parliamentary discussion on the alleged paper leak and examination reforms, and said it was considering compensation for the families of NEET aspirants who allegedly died by suicide.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Wangchuk's decision in a post on X, wishing him a speedy recovery and urging him to follow medical advice.
Wangchuk had begun his indefinite hunger strike on June 28 in support of student protesters demanding accountability over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak, reforms to the examination system and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. He was later shifted from the protest site to hospital following health concerns.
Despite Wangchuk ending his fast, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which has been leading the protests at Jantar Mantar, said its agitation would continue. The organisation reiterated its demands for Pradhan's resignation, examination reforms, compensation for affected families and withdrawal of cases against peaceful protesters.
The protests over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak have continued for several weeks and remain a key issue during the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament.
