Prominent activist Sonam Wangchuk broke his 26-day hunger strike on Thursday at Medanta hospital, with Union Health Minister JP Nadda and Minister of State for the Prime Minister’s Office Dr. Jitendra Singh present during the moment.
Images from the hospital showed Wangchuk, seated in bed and connected to medical monitors, accepting a drink from one of the ministers, marking the formal end of his fast. The development followed extended negotiations between the activist, government representatives, and leaders from the Apex Body of Leh Ladakh.
Wangchuk had been admitted to the hospital earlier due to health concerns, including dehydration and other complications from the prolonged fast. In a statement shared on social media, he noted that 65 members of Parliament from various parties had visited or signed letters urging him to end the strike. He emphasized that the decision was reached after discussions on specific conditions and out of concern for potential violence in the country.
The hunger strike was part of broader protests at Jantar Mantar over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, particularly the NEET-UG paper leak scandal. Wangchuk and fellow protesters had demanded accountability in the education system, compensation for families of students affected by suicides linked to the scandal, and assurances that no punitive action would be taken against young demonstrators.
Union Minister JP Nadda described the talks as taking place in a “cordial atmosphere” after protesters sought dialogue with the Centre.
The government has reportedly assured continued engagement with student representatives on examination reforms.
