New Delhi: Social activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike late Thursday after the Centre provided written assurances on key demands related to alleged examination irregularities and student protests.
However, the broader agitation is set to continue as protesters maintain their demand for accountability and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Wangchuk, who had been fasting since June 28 in solidarity with students protesting alleged paper leaks in competitive examinations, announced that he broke his fast following discussions with Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh. The meeting took place at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram, where he had been shifted after his health deteriorated.
In a video message shared after ending his fast, Wangchuk said the government had assured that no legal action would be taken against peaceful protesters.
He also said Parliament would discuss accountability in the examination system, including the alleged NEET paper leak, while families of students who reportedly died by suicide in connection with the controversy would receive compensation.
Despite the breakthrough, leaders of the student movement said the protest would continue until further demands, including the resignation of the education minister, are addressed.
Protest representatives said discussions with the Centre are expected to continue over the coming days.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Wangchuk’s decision to end the fast and wished him a speedy recovery, urging him to regain his health under medical supervision.
The protests, triggered by allegations of examination paper leaks and demands for greater transparency in the recruitment and examination system, have drawn nationwide attention over the past month and placed the issue at the centre of political debate.
