- The Centre successfully got Sonam Wangchuk to end his hunger strike after a meeting with union ministers.
- Ministers Nadda and Singh met Wangchuk at the hospital and handed him an assurance letter, promising a new Bill under the DoPT framework to be introduced in Parliament next week and no legal action against peaceful protesters.
- The government assured discussions in Parliament on paper leaks and education reforms, and positively considering compensation for suicide victims of the NEET paper leaks.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Wangchuk to follow his daily routine as advised by doctors and regain his weight, expressing wishes for his health.
- After breaking his fast, Wangchuk expressed a desire to return to Ladakh and assured he would engage with students, urging them to maintain faith in the government's assurances and avoid influence from anti-social elements.
Sonam Wangchuk, a prominent activist, concluded his 26-day hunger strike on Thursday night after receiving assurances from the Indian government. The breakthrough followed intense discussions involving Home Minister Amit Shah and senior ministers, amid escalating student protests and concerns for Wangchuk's health.1
Sources revealed that Shah held a four-hour meeting with Health Minister JP Nadda and Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office, Dr. Jitendra Singh, to address the situation. Following this, Singh contacted Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali Angmo, assuring her of the government's commitment to addressing the activist's concerns.2
In a significant meeting at Medanta Hospital, Nadda and Singh presented Wangchuk with a letter outlining the government's assurances. Wangchuk was promised that a new Bill under the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) framework would be introduced in Parliament next week, along with a commitment to refrain from legal action against protesting students.
Nadda also mentioned that discussions in Parliament regarding paper leaks and education reforms would be prioritized. He added that the government is considering compensation for victims of recent NEET paper leaks, another demand raised by Wangchuk.3
After ending his fast, Wangchuk expressed a desire to return to Ladakh but committed to engaging with students and supporters before doing so. He urged them to trust the government's assurances and to avoid being swayed by anti-social elements that could jeopardize their peaceful protests.5
“Home Minister Amit Shah held a four-hour meeting with Health Minister JP Nadda and PMO Minister Jitendra Singh, focusing on Wangchuk's health and promising a new Bill under DoPT in Parliament next week. Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally urged Wangchuk to follow his daily routine and regain weight as soon as possible.”
