- Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day fast after meeting Union ministers J.P. Nadda and Jitendra Singh at Medanta Hospital; his hunger strike was in support of protests over the NEET (UG) 2026 paper leak and demands for accountability.
- Sonam Wangchuk termed the end of his 26-day fast the 'Beginning of accountability'.
- He extended his hunger strike by two days because negotiations with the Centre were continuing.
- Health Minister J. P. Nadda read out an assurance letter at the hospital, stating the government is positive on not registering cases against peaceful protesters at Jantar Mantar and those who marched on July 20.
- The government assured adequate compensation for families of students who died by suicide after the paper leak and that no cases would be registered against peaceful protesters.
- Assurances included that the government would discuss accountability in the failing examination system in Parliament.
- The letter also said the government assured threadbare discussions in Parliament on paper leaks and educational reforms, and was positively considering suitable compensation for suicide victims of NEET paper leaks.
- Sonam Wangchuk ended his 25-day hunger strike, but doctors warn he is not out of danger and recovery could take weeks to months.
Sonam Wangchuk concluded his 26-day hunger strike on July 23, 2026, after receiving assurances from union ministers regarding accountability in the examination system.1289
"End of hunger, Beginning of accountability," he stated on X, highlighting the government's commitment to discuss reforms in Parliament.
Wangchuk's fast was in support of protests against the NEET paper leak and demands for educational reforms.
The government also promised compensation for families of students who took their lives following the leak and assured no legal action against peaceful protesters.
However, doctors caution that Wangchuk's recovery is critical, warning against a rushed refeeding process.
Dr. Ambrish Mithal emphasized, "You cannot feed suddenly. You have to reintroduce food very slowly, especially during the first three days."
The risk of refeeding syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition, looms large if food is reintroduced too quickly.
"For the body to become normal, it will take at least a couple of months," warned a medical expert.
Wangchuk extended his fast by two days to secure these assurances, demonstrating his commitment to the cause.
The government’s letter, read by Health Minister J.P. Nadda, confirmed discussions on educational reforms and compensation for victims of the NEET paper leak.
Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali Angmo, was present when he ended his fast, marking a significant moment in the ongoing struggle for accountability in India's education system.
“Wangchuk extended his fast by two days as negotiations with the Centre continued. He broke it after Health Minister J.P. Nadda read an assurance letter at Medanta Hospital promising parliamentary discussion on exam reforms and compensation for families of students who died by suicide after the NEET paper leak.”
