Sonam Wangchuk Ends 26-Day Hunger Strike After Talks

Prominent activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike late on July 23, 2026, at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram, following negotiations with the central government. The 59-year-old educator and environmentalist broke his fast in the presence of Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda and Minister of State Jitendra Singh, concluding a protest that had intensified national debate over the integrity of India's competitive examination system.

Wangchuk began his indefinite fast on June 28 in solidarity with student-led protests demanding transparency and accountability following allegations of a paper leak in the NEET-UG 2026 medical entrance exam. In a social media post after ending his protest, Wangchuk stated his decision followed prolonged negotiations on various conditions and was taken in view of the possibility of violence in the country. He said 65 Members of Parliament from various parties had urged him to end his strike.

A key assurance from the government, conveyed by Minister Nadda at the hospital, was that no punitive legal action would be taken against those who participated peacefully in the protests at Delhi's Jantar Mantar site and during a march toward Parliament...