Activist Sonam Wangchuk on Friday said he ended his 26-day indefinite fast after receiving a written assurance from the Centre that no criminal cases would be registered against those who participated peacefully in the July 20 protest march and demonstrations at Jantar Mantar.
Sharing a video message on his official X account, Wangchuk released the government’s written assurance, saying it addressed one of his key concerns before he agreed to end the hunger strike.
Centre assures no action against peaceful protesters
According to the document shared by Wangchuk, the government has agreed not to initiate legal action against individuals who protested peacefully in Delhi.
“The government also gave assurance that there will be no cases registered against the peacefully protesting students and youths,” Wangchuk said while sharing the statement.
The written assurance states that no cases will be filed against those who participated peacefully at Jantar Mantar or joined the July 20 march towards Parliament.
Wangchuk had earlier made it clear that he would consider ending his fast only if the government guaranteed that students and youth involved in the movement would not face punitive or retaliatory action.
Parliament discussion, reforms among government’s assurances
Apart from protecting peaceful protesters from legal action, the Centre also assured Wangchuk that Parliament would hold a detailed discussion on the alleged NEET paper leak controversy and broader examination reforms.
The written assurance further states that the government is positively considering suitable compensation for the families of students who allegedly died by suicide following the NEET paper leak controversy.
Union ministers met Wangchuk before fast ended
Wangchuk said Union ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh, along with representatives from Ladakh’s Apex Body, met him at a private hospital in Gurugram on Thursday night and conveyed the government’s assurances.
He said more than 65 Members of Parliament from different political parties had either visited him or extended support, urging him to end the fast after receiving commitments from the government.
According to Wangchuk, discussions over his demand that no legal cases be filed against peaceful protesters continued for two additional days before an agreement was reached.
Hunger strike began over NEET controversy
Wangchuk launched his indefinite fast on June 28, demanding accountability over the alleged NEET paper leak, reforms in the examination system and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
During the 26-day hunger strike, he reportedly lost around 11 kilograms. He was shifted from the Jantar Mantar protest site to Safdarjung Hospital by Delhi Police before later being transferred to a private hospital following directions from the Delhi High Court.
With the written assurances now in place, Wangchuk has formally ended his fast while expressing hope that the government will honour its commitments on examination reforms, parliamentary discussion and the protection of peaceful protesters.
