Activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day indefinite hunger strike shortly after midnight at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram after holding discussions with the Centre. His fast, launched in support of the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) demands over alleged examination paper leaks and education reforms, had become a rallying point for student protests at Delhi's Jantar Mantar.
Although Wangchuk ended his fast after receiving assurances from the government, student protests are set to continue as key demands remain unresolved.
Sonam Wangchuk Ends 26-Day Hunger Strike
Wangchuk broke his fast in the presence of his wife Gitanjali Angmo, Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh, and senior members of the Apex Body of Leh Ladakh. After taking a sip from a cup while lying on his hospital bed, he announced the end of his fast.
“I finally broke my fast after 26 days. Earlier, 65 Members of Parliament from different political parties had visited or signed letters urging me to break the fast. This was done after long negotiations on various conditions and in view of possible violence in the country,” he said in a post on X.
END OF HUNGER... BEGINNING OF ACCOUNTABILITY...!
— Sonam Wangchuk (@Wangchuk66) July 24, 2026
Sonam Wangchuk ends his fast after 26 days upon getting assurance from the government and members of parliament of all political parties that the issue of accountability in the failing examination system will be discussed on the… pic.twitter.com/0C9YX5VlsL
Government Assurances Played Key Role
Soon after Wangchuk ended his fast, Union Minister JP Nadda outlined the government's assurances. He said the Centre was positive about not filing cases against peaceful protesters at Jantar Mantar and participants in the July 20 march to Parliament. Nadda also said the government had already assured discussions in Parliament on examination reforms and solutions to paper leak cases.
“The government is positive on not registering cases against those protesting peacefully at Jantar Mantar in Delhi and those participating in the march to the Parliament on July 20, 2026. The government has already assured through their discussions to find solutions to paper leaks and educational reforms for exams in the Parliament. Besides, the government is also positively considering suitable compensations for the suicide victims of recent Neet paper leaks,” he said.
However, the government did not mention Wangchuk's earlier demand seeking the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Long Negotiations Led to the Decision
Wangchuk said he ended his fast only after lengthy discussions with the government. He explained that appeals from 65 Members of Parliament across political parties also influenced his decision.
“Just now in the presence of Union Ministers JP Nadda & Dr Jitendra Singh and the senior leaders of Apex Body of Leh Ladakh, I finally broke my fast after 26 days. Earlier, 65 Members of Parliament from different political parties had visited or signed letters urging me to break the fast. This was done after a long negotiation on various conditions and in view of possible violence in the country. I will explain the conditions in detail in a separate video very soon. Meanwhile, urge you all to stay very vigilant about not allowing violence of any kind anywhere.”
Sources said Nadda and Singh met Wangchuk after consulting Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The ministers had earlier visited him at Medanta Hospital after he was shifted there from Safdarjung Hospital following a Delhi High Court order.
Fear of Violence Also Influenced Wangchuk
Wangchuk said growing violence during the student movement also influenced his decision. On July 20, protests turned violent when demonstrators attempted to march towards Parliament.
Several videos showed Delhi Police using lathi charges and tear gas to disperse protesters. Violence also erupted from sections of the crowd, with reports of police personnel being assaulted and stones being thrown.
Before ending his fast, Wangchuk appealed for peaceful protests.
“Peace and only peace is my way… While at Jantar Mantar the protests remain peaceful, I’m pained to learn that elsewhere some antisocial elements are taking advantage of the peaceful protests to provoke violence. No matter what the other side does, our response must only be flowers. Please keep this tradition at all costs.”
PM Modi Announces Action on Paper Leak Cases
Hours before Wangchuk ended his hunger strike, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced fresh measures to tackle examination paper leaks.
He said the government would establish fast-track courts to ensure speedy trials and strict punishment for those involved.
“Nothing is more important than the welfare and future of our youth! We have decided to set up fast-track courts to ensure swift and stringent punishment for those involved in paper leaks. Have directed the concerned authorities and officials to take all necessary steps in this regard. This continues our series of steps for safeguarding the interests of students. Those who try to harm the future of our youth will not be spared,” Modi wrote on X.
More strict actions against paper leaks to come in tomorrow’s Cabinet! pic.twitter.com/NRysBukk5U
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 23, 2026
Later, the Prime Minister said the Union Cabinet would discuss a draft law introducing tougher punishment and fast-track courts for examination paper leak cases.
He added that the proposed legislation would be introduced in Parliament during the ongoing Monsoon Session after Cabinet approval.
Centre Reshuffles Education Ministry
The government also announced major changes in the Ministry of Education. Naresh Kumar Gangwar was appointed as the new Higher Education Secretary, while TK Anil Kumar became Secretary of the Department of School Education and Literacy. Former Higher Education Secretary Vineet Joshi was transferred to the Ministry of Panchayati Raj.
Student Protest to Continue Despite End of Fast
Although Wangchuk has ended his hunger strike, the Cockroach Janta Party said its agitation would continue until its demands are met. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke thanked Wangchuk for his sacrifice.
“We are relieved and grateful that Sonam sir has ended his hunger strike after 26 days. Thank you, sir, for your extraordinary courage and sacrifice. By putting your own life on the line, you awakened the conscience of an entire nation. The protest at Jantar Mantar will continue till Pradhan resigns,” Dipke wrote on X.
Message of Abhijit Dipke ho everyone,
— Cockroach Janta Party (@CJP_for_India) July 24, 2026
At Jantar Mantar 📍 pic.twitter.com/wl0N71xJVv
Protesters at Jantar Mantar also said the movement is about larger issues rather than one individual. “I think the limelight should shift away from a centralised personality to the issues, because it is the issues that matter,” a protester said.
“People can come and go… but it is about the lives of people. It is about 21 lives who are not here with us anymore.”
CJP representatives are expected to meet government officials to continue discussions on alleged irregularities in competitive examinations and possible reforms.