Sonam Wangchuk ends 26-day fast, Modi urges him to follow doctors’ advice

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New Delhi, July 24

Climate activist and education reform campaigner Sonam Wangchuk has ended his 26-day hunger strike after receiving assurances from the Indian government and Members of Parliament across political parties that concerns over accountability in the country’s examination system will be debated in Parliament.

In a post on X, Wangchuk said that the government had also assured him that families of students who died by suicide following the recent NEET examination paper leak controversy would receive compensation. He added that no legal action would be taken against students and young people who participated in peaceful protests over the issue.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Wangchuk’s decision to end his fast and urged him to focus on his recovery. In a message shared on Friday, the prime minister asked Wangchuk to follow doctors’ advice, return to his normal routine and regain his health. He also said he prayed for Wangchuk’s well-being.

Speaking in a late-night video message, Modi described the examination paper leak as “a deeply painful issue” that had affected millions of students and their families. He said the government had taken several measures over the past two and a half months to address the crisis.

The  Prime Minister further said that those responsible for the paper leak have been arrested and are in jail. He said the government’s immediate priority was to ensure that students did not lose an academic year, leading authorities to conduct examinations for around 22 lakh  candidates. The results, announced on  July 19, had brought relief to many students across the country, he added.

“Tomorrow, there will be a discussion in the Cabinet. After the advice of the Cabinet members, it will be given its final form. And from Monday, when the second week of the Parliament starts, we will try to get that bill passed in the Senate as soon as possible,” the Prime Minister said.