NEET – Sonam Wangchuk Ends Hunger Strike After Government Gives Key Assurances
NEET –Ladakh activist Sonam Wangchuk has ended his 26-day hunger strike after receiving formal assurances from the Central Government on several demands linked to the alleged NEET paper leak. He shared the developments through a video recorded shortly after midnight, explaining that the decision followed extensive discussions and firm negotiations with government representatives.
Government Assurances Led to End of Protest
According to Wangchuk, the breakthrough came only after detailed negotiations that he described as exceptionally rigorous. He said that around six Members of Parliament from different political parties visited him during the protest and urged him to end his fast. Later, Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh met him at the hospital in Delhi and assured him that concerns related to the alleged NEET paper leak would be taken up in Parliament.
Wangchuk explained that he had insisted on receiving written commitments rather than verbal promises. He said the government required two additional days to prepare the written document, resulting in the continuation of his hunger strike beyond its initially expected duration.
Written Commitments Presented Before Fast Was Called Off
A portion of the video released by Wangchuk shows JP Nadda reading the government’s written assurances before asking the activist to acknowledge the document. Among the commitments outlined was the assurance that no legal action would be initiated against individuals who participated peacefully in the protest or joined the Parliament march held on July 20, 2026.
The government also agreed to provide suitable compensation to the families of those who reportedly died by suicide following recent examination paper leak incidents. Wangchuk said that representatives from both the ruling alliance and the Opposition had assured him that Parliament would hold a discussion on reforms aimed at improving the country’s examination system.
Focus Remains on Students and Fair Examinations
While addressing supporters, Wangchuk said his primary concern had always been protecting students and their families from experiencing similar hardships in the future. He expressed hope that stronger reforms would help restore confidence in competitive examinations and prevent comparable situations from affecting other candidates.
He also appealed for the movement to remain peaceful and responsible, stating that only genuinely concerned citizens should participate. According to him, the protest should not become an opportunity for anti-social elements to pursue unrelated agendas.
Union Ministers Present During Conclusion of Fast
The video also captures the moment Wangchuk formally ended his hunger strike. Union Minister JP Nadda offered him the first sip of a drink, while Union Minister Jitendra Singh stood beside him during the occasion. After breaking the fast, Wangchuk thanked both ministers and expressed appreciation for the efforts made to reach an agreement.
He also shared an emotional message for his wife, Gitanjali, acknowledging her unwavering support throughout the protest. Rather than simply thanking her, he said he wanted to express the depth of his gratitude and emotions for standing beside him during the difficult period.
Hunger Strike Began Over Alleged NEET Paper Leak
Wangchuk had started his indefinite hunger strike on June 28 at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET paper leak controversy. As the protest continued, doctors raised concerns about his declining health, and on July 18 he was shifted from the protest site to Safdarjung Hospital for medical treatment.
Soon afterward, his wife, Gitanjali Angmo, approached the Delhi High Court, alleging inadequate medical care at the government-run hospital. Following hearings over two days, the court permitted his transfer to Medanta Hospital in Gurugram, where he ultimately ended his fast after receiving the government’s written assurances.