NEW DELHI — Climate and education reform activist Sonam Wangchuk announced his readiness to call off his multi-week hunger strike, provided the Union Government issues a firm assurance that no student or young protester will face legal prosecution, harassment, or retaliatory police action.
The 59-year-old innovator made his position clear in a direct letter addressed to Union Ministers J.P. Nadda and Dr. Jitendra Singh, following their visit to his bedside at Safdarjung Hospital in New Delhi.
Announcement
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Core Demand: An explicit guarantee from the Centre protecting young demonstrators from police FIRs, legal proceedings, or administrative retaliation.
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Ministerial Visit: Union Ministers J.P. Nadda and Dr. Jitendra Singh visited Safdarjung Hospital to check on Wangchuk's deteriorating health and urge him to end his fast.
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Parliamentary Discussions: Over 65 Members of Parliament across political parties reached out to Wangchuk, pledging to raise issues of exam security and accountability in the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament.
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Focus on Youth Protection: Wangchuk emphasized that while he desires to return to his educational work, he refuses to do so at the expense of students who took to the streets.
Background of the Hunger Strike
Sonam Wangchuk began his indefinite hunger strike in late June to highlight widespread concerns over national competitive examination leaks and structural issues in higher education testing. Participating alongside youth movements in Delhi's Jantar Mantar, Wangchuk called for systemic overhaul, transparent investigation procedures, and parliamentary accountability regarding examination integrity.
As his health steadily declined after three weeks of fasting, Delhi Police shifted him to Safdarjung Hospital, where doctors have been continuously monitoring his vital signs.
Wangchuk's Statement from Hospital
In his letter, Wangchuk acknowledged the political outreach and thanked cabinet ministers for initiating direct dialogue. However, he placed the safety of student participants at the center of any potential resolution:
"I want to live. I want to return to my students, to education, and to the work that has defined my life. But I cannot do so at the cost of the very young people for whom this movement began. The march remained peaceful despite immense tension. I sincerely hope that this faith in democratic institutions is not further undermined by legal cases or vindictive action against participants."
He further urged the government to ensure adequate support for affected families and to allow a thorough, constructive debate on educational reforms on the floor of Parliament.
Response from Political Leaders and Next Steps
Following visits and written assurances from dozens of lawmakers, parliamentarians expressed optimism that the stalemate would resolve swiftly once formal commitments are logged. Civil society leaders and student representatives have maintained that a written undertaking regarding non-retaliation remains the final benchmark required before Wangchuk officially breaks his fast.
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