Sonam Wangchuk Ends 26-Day Hunger Strike Over NEET Leaks

Social activist Sonam Wangchuk ended a 26-day hunger strike on Thursday night at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram after receiving written assurances from the Government of India. Wangchuk began the protest on June 28 in solidarity with students affected by the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak scandal and broader examination irregularities. Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh delivered the government's guarantees, which include a commitment not to register cases against peaceful protesters, a promise to discuss examination reforms in Parliament, and the consideration of compensation for families of students who committed suicide following the leaks.

Wangchuk, who lost 11 kilograms and required ICU admission, stated he broke his fast to prevent potential violence and a crackdown on students in Delhi, citing a previous 2025 incident where security forces fired on youth in Ladakh. He strongly condemned social media allegations that he had struck a secret deal with the government, questioning why he would endure such extreme physical deterioration if a deal were his goal.

While the hunger strike has concluded, the Cockroach Janata Party, which led the agitation, continues peaceful protests at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. The party maintains its demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The government requested until Saturday afternoon to consider the party's demand for Pradhan's resignation.