Social activist Sonam Wangchuk on Friday ended his 26-day indefinite hunger strike after meeting Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram, where he had been admitted for medical observation after his health deteriorated.
According to sources, the two Union ministers met Wangchuk after earlier holding discussions with Union Home Minister Amit Shah. During the meeting, Wangchuk formally ended his fast in the presence of Nadda, Singh and his wife, Gitanjali Angmo.
Visuals from the hospital showed Wangchuk taking his first sip from a cup with the assistance of the two ministers. His wife was also present as he broke his fast.
“I’m grateful and happy to break my fast. Thank you,” Wangchuk is heard saying while holding the hands of Nadda and Singh. Turning to his wife, he added, “Gitanjali has always been by my side and my support. I don’t want to thank you but express my feelings.”
Wangchuk had launched the indefinite hunger strike on June 28, demanding reforms in the education system and accountability over alleged paper leaks. Before being shifted to Medanta Hospital, he had been protesting at Jantar Mantar alongside members of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP).
After ending his fast, Wangchuk announced the decision in a post on X, saying the move came after extensive discussions and in view of the prevailing situation.
“Just now in the presence of Union Ministers JP Nadda & Dr. Jitendra Singh and the senior leaders of Apex Body of Leh Ladakh I finally broke my fast after 26 days. Earlier 65 Members of Parliament from different political parties had visited or signed letters urging me to break the fast. This was done after a long negotiation on various conditions and in view of possible violence in the country,” Wangchuk wrote.
He said he would share details of the discussions and the conditions agreed upon in a separate video.
“I will explain the conditions in detail in a separate video very soon. Meanwhile, I urge you all to stay very vigilant about not allowing violence of any kind anywhere,” he added.
The development comes amid ongoing protests over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, with Wangchuk’s fast drawing support from several political leaders and civil society groups over the past 26 days.
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