Sonam Wangchuk Rejects ‘Deal’ Allegations, Says Fast Ended to Prevent Crackdown on Student Protesters

NEW DELHI, Jul 25: Activist Sonam Wangchuk has rejected allegations that he struck a “deal” with the Centre to end his 26-day hunger strike, saying he called off the protest only after receiving a written assurance that peaceful demonstrators would not face legal action and to prevent a possible crackdown on students. In a YouTube video released late Friday night, Wangchuk said he feared an imminent police action in Delhi and was reminded of the September 24, 2025, firing on youths in Ladakh. Concerned that a similar situation could unfold, he decided to end his fast and appeal for peace. “Last night around midnight, I was informed that the ministers had agreed to provide the assurance in writing. I was in a hurry because there was apprehension that a major crackdown could take place in Delhi. I feared something similar to what happened in Ladakh last year and wanted to prevent any violence against students,” he said. Wangchuk clarified that his primary demand during negotiations was to ensure that no FIRs or legal action would be initiated against peaceful protesters. He said this was also the reason he did not insist on the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan during the talks. “My focus was that students should not suffer. Legal protection for peaceful protesters was my priority. I believe the demand for accountability will continue through the movement,” he said. Rejecting criticism over ending the fast in the presence of Union ministers, Wangchuk questioned claims that he had compromised with the government. “If I had wanted to make a deal, would I have remained on a hunger strike for 26 days? I could have done that sitting in an air-conditioned room instead of fasting in Delhi’s heat,” he remarked. The activist also alleged that after being shifted to Safdarjung Hospital on July 18, he was treated “like a prisoner”, claiming he was denied free movement, prevented from meeting visitors and not allowed to keep a mobile phone or laptop. He further alleged that despite the Delhi High Court permitting his transfer to Medanta Hospital, authorities delayed his movement for several hours. According to Wangchuk, Union ministers J.P. Nadda and Jitendra Singh met him at Medanta Hospital and agreed to positively consider compensation for families of students who allegedly died by suicide following the NEET paper leak controversy. They also assured him of a detailed discussion in Parliament on examination reforms and accountability. However, Wangchuk said he refused to end his fast until the Centre provided a written assurance that peaceful protesters would not face legal action. “They initially offered only a verbal assurance. I insisted on a written commitment and did not relent until they agreed,” he said. He also expressed disappointment that fellow activists, supporting Members of Parliament and representatives from Ladakh were unable to be present when he ended his fast, claiming many were not allowed to meet him before the ministers arrived. Wangchuk concluded his indefinite hunger strike shortly after midnight on Thursday after the Centre issued a written assurance stating that it was positive about not registering cases against peaceful protesters, would hold discussions in Parliament on examination reforms and paper leaks, and was positively considering compensation for families of students who died by suicide following the alleged NEET paper leak. He had been on an indefinite fast since June 28 in support of the Cockroach Janta Party-led agitation seeking accountability for alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, reforms in the education system, and the resignation of the Union Education Minister.