Activist Sonam Wangchuk ends 26-day hunger strike after talks with ministers

Activist Sonam Wangchuk concluded his 26-day hunger strike at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram on Friday, shortly after midnight. His decision came after negotiations and in the presence of Union ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh. Wangchuk had previously stated he would end his fast if the government provided assurances on key demands, including no legal action against protesters.

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Just now in the presence of Union Ministers Sh. JP Nadda, Dr. Jitendra Singh and the senior leaders of Apex Body of Leh Ladakh I finally broke my fast after 26 days... This was done after long negotiations 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.

Wangchuk's hunger strike, which lasted nearly a month, was in solidarity with student protesters demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. He cited concerns about potential violence in the country as a reason for breaking the fast under specific conditions, which he promised to detail soon.

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We are relieved and grateful that Sonam sir has ended his hunger strike after 26 days... The Cockroach Janta Party’s peaceful protest at Jantar Mantar will continue until Dharmendra Pradhan resigns.

Despite Wangchuk ending his protest, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a group supporting the demands, announced their peaceful demonstrations at Jantar Mantar would continue. CJP convener Abhijeet Dipke stated their protest persists until Minister Pradhan resigns. Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Wangchuk via X to focus on his health and recovery.

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I urge Sonam ji to follow his routine as per the doctors’ advice and regain his old weight as soon as possible.