Sonam Wangchuk Ends 26-Day Hunger Strike After Examination Reform Protest Gains National Momentum

Sonam Wangchuk Ends 26-Day Hunger Strike After Examination Reform Protest Gains National Momentum

Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike after joining the NEET-UG examination paper leak protest at Jantar Mantar. The government assured no cases against protesters, ₹1 crore compensation for victims' families, and a new anti-paper leak law, while Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan remains in office amid continuing demands for examination reforms.

Environmentalist and education reform advocate Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day indefinite hunger strike on July 24 after the student-led protest over the NEET-UG examination paper leak gained nationwide attention and prompted a series of government assurances. Wangchuk had joined the sit-in protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on June 28, demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and calling for comprehensive reforms to safeguard the integrity of public examinations.

The indefinite hunger strike became the focal point of the nationwide movement against alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG examination. Wangchuk's participation intensified public attention on the issue as students and activists continued to demand greater accountability and stronger safeguards against examination paper leaks. During the course of the protest, Wangchuk was shifted to hospitals as concerns over his deteriorating health increased. Despite enduring the extreme summer heat in the national capital, he continued the fast until July 24, by which time he had lost 11 kilograms.

The hunger strike concluded after the government offered several assurances aimed at addressing the protesters' concerns. These included a commitment that no legal cases would be registered against the protesters, compensation of ₹1 crore for the families of victims, and the introduction of a new anti-paper leak legislation intended to strengthen the examination system and prevent future breaches. However, the government's decision did not include the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who continues to remain in office despite being one of the principal demands raised during the protest.

The movement also witnessed differences among some of Wangchuk's allies even as demonstrations continued in various locations. Despite these disagreements, Wangchuk appealed for restraint and peaceful conduct, urging supporters to respond with "only flowers" while maintaining the spirit of non-violent protest.

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The conclusion of Wangchuk's 26-day hunger strike marks a significant chapter in the nationwide campaign for examination reforms. Although the government's assurances have led to the end of the fast, the continuation of protests and the unresolved demand for the Education Minister's resignation indicate that the debate over accountability, examination transparency, and systemic reform remains far from over.

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