Sonam Wangchuk Ends Hunger Strike as NEET Protests Disrupt Parliament

Education activist Sonam Wangchuk ended a 26-day hunger strike on July 24, 2026, at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram. He broke his fast after the Government of India provided written assurances to discuss examination system accountability in Parliament, provide compensation for suicide victims of NEET-UG paper leaks, and refrain from filing criminal cases against peaceful protesters who marched on July 20.

Despite the end of the strike, the youth-led Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and opposition lawmakers continue to demand the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke dismissed government promises as insufficient, stating that protests at Jantar Mantar will persist. This unrest coincided with significant disruptions in the Lok Sabha, which was adjourned for five consecutive days as opposition members, including the Congress party, staged protests at the Makar Dwar and inside the House.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded by announcing a draft Bill that proposes the establishment of Fast-Track Courts and more stringent punishments for those involved in paper leaks. However, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge criticized the Prime Minister for addressing students via video message rather than appearing on the floor of Parliament. Meanwhile, Delhi Police faced condemnation from Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International for using tear gas and baton charges against protesters at Jantar Mantar.