Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike on July 24, 2026, after the Indian government assured him of measures against exam paper leaks and protections for peaceful protesters, though the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) vowed to continue demanding Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation.
Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk concluded his 26-day hunger strike on July 24, 2026, after the Indian government pledged to address demands related to the student protests and protect peaceful protesters, according to multiple reports. The decision came amid negotiations with Union ministers and pressure from 65 Members of Parliament, who signed letters or visited urging him to end his fast. Wangchuk, hospitalized at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram, stated his action was in view of possible violence in the country.
Wangchuk’s Decision and Government Assurances
Wangchuk’s fast ended in the presence of Union ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh, with the government providing written assurances that cases against nonviolent students would be taken back and compensation considered for suicide victims linked to the exam leak scandal. He also announced plans to introduce a bill with stringent provisions against examination paper leaks, including fast-track courts and tougher punishment for offenders.
The government’s commitments included written assurances concerning peaceful protesters, according to a statement from the Leh Apex Body co-convenor Cherring Dorjay Lakruk. This assurance was part of prolonged negotiations that also involved concerns about violence in the country.
Wangchuk, who joined the agitation on June 28, had demanded accountability for exam irregularities and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
PM Modi’s Legislative Response
Modi’s pledge to introduce a bill with stringent provisions against paper leaks
includes harsher punishment for offenders and fast-track courts. The legislation, to be discussed by the Union Cabinet on Friday before being introduced in Parliament next week, aims to make the examination system foolproof, Modi stated.
The government also released a video detailing its assurances to Wangchuk, including a commitment to take back cases against students if they were not violent and consider compensation for suicide victims.
CJP’s Stance and Unanswered Demands
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke expressed relief at Wangchuk’s decision but reiterated that the protest would continue. The protest at Jantar Mantar will continue till Pradhan resigns,
Dipke stated on X, citing the activist’s extraordinary courage
in awakening national consciousness. The CJP-led agitation began on June 20, and has accused authorities of mischaracterizing peaceful protests as violent, a claim the Delhi Police denied.
Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali Angmo, defended protesters, calling them role models to the world
for their discipline and selflessness. She praised their efforts to looked after strangers like family
and keep the movement alive. However, the CJP’s demand for Pradhan’s resignation remains unmet, with the government focusing on legislative measures.
Protest Continuation and Regional Context
The Jantar Mantar protest has become a focal point for student demands. While the agitation continues, the government has emphasized its commitment to addressing paper leaks through a new Bill. However, tensions persist over the role of antisocial elements
in inciting violence, as noted by Wangchuk, who urged supporters to stay vigilant.
The incident underscores the broader debate over exam integrity and institutional accountability in India. With the leak case still under scrutiny, the government’s legislative response and the CJP’s persistence highlight the high stakes for students and educators alike. As the Monsoon Session of Parliament begins, the next steps will depend on the proposed bill being introduced and passed next week.
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