Sonam Wangchuk Denies Deal to End Hunger Strike
Activist Sonam Wangchuk has rejected suggestions that he struck a private deal with the Centre before ending his 26-day hunger strike. He said the fast was withdrawn only after the government provided written assurances concerning examination reforms and peaceful student protesters.
Sonam Wangchuk Rejects Deal Claims
In a video message, Wangchuk said the decision followed two days of difficult negotiations with the government. He questioned why his commitment was being doubted after he had remained without food for 26 days.
Wangchuk said he had initially received verbal assurances but insisted that the government provide its commitments in writing. Union Ministers J.P. Nadda and Jitendra Singh subsequently met him at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram, where he ended the fast.
He said his immediate objective was to protect protesting students and prevent the situation in Delhi from escalating into further violence.
Centre Gives Written Assurances
According to Wangchuk, the government indicated that it was positive about not registering cases against students who participated peacefully in the Jantar Mantar demonstration and the July 20 march towards Parliament.
The Centre also assured a parliamentary discussion on accountability in the examination system and possible reforms to prevent paper leaks. Suitable compensation for families of students who allegedly died by suicide following the NEET paper leak controversy would also be considered.
Wangchuk clarified that these assurances represented the beginning of an accountability process rather than a final settlement.
Education Minister Resignation Demand Continues
Wangchuk said securing Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation was not his personal priority during the negotiations. His focus was on protecting students from legal action and advancing broader examination reforms.
However, the protest movement has maintained its demand for Pradhan’s resignation. Wangchuk also appealed to demonstrators to remain peaceful while further discussions between the Centre and protest representatives continue.
