New Delhi: Social activist Sonam Wangchuk has explained why he ended his 26-day hunger strike without securing Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation, stating that safeguarding students and protesters from legal action was his foremost concern.
According to Wangchuk, the government provided a written assurance that no cases would be filed against peaceful protesters. It also agreed to hold discussions in Parliament on examination reforms, paper leak issues, and accountability in the education system, while considering compensation for the families of students who died by suicide following the NEET paper leak controversy.
Wangchuk said his indefinite fast, which began on June 28, was aimed at demanding greater transparency, accountability, and reforms in India's examination system. Although many supporters expected the minister's resignation to remain the central demand, he said protecting students from immediate legal consequences became the priority during negotiations.
In a video message recorded from his hospital bed, Wangchuk said he believed the resignation issue would eventually reach its own conclusion, whereas the threat of FIRs and legal action against students required urgent attention. For this reason, he insisted on obtaining a written guarantee from the government before ending his protest.
He revealed that the government initially offered only a verbal assurance, but he refused to end the fast until a written commitment was provided. Only after receiving that document did he conclude his hunger strike.
Rejecting allegations of striking a political deal with the government, Wangchuk said that if compromise had been his objective, there would have been no reason to continue fasting for 26 days. He maintained that every decision was taken with the safety of students and peaceful protesters in mind.
He also expressed concern that the situation could have escalated into stricter action against demonstrators. Ending the fast, he said, was intended to help maintain peace while ensuring legal protection for those participating in the movement.
Wangchuk added that the larger movement for examination reforms, transparency, and accountability would continue. He also expressed regret that several students, supporters, and public representatives could not be present when he formally ended his fast.
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
-1783504412913_v.webp)
.webp)
.jpeg)
.jpg)
.webp)
-1782968272532_v.webp)
-1782800857062_v.webp)
-1782462393026_v.webp)
.webp)
-1782369907240.jpg)
-1782358051137.jpg)
.jpg)
