Published Jul 22, 2026 | 6:24 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 22, 2026 | 6:24 PM
Sonam Wangchuk on hunger strike at Jantar Mantar. (abhijeet_dipke/ X)
Synopsis: Putting forward his demands, Wangchuk urged, “Therefore, I respectfully request an unequivocal assurance from the Government that none of the young protesters will face any punitive or retaliatory legal action for participating in this movement. Their only ‘offence’ has been to raise their voice for a fair and accountable education system. If such an assurance is given, I shall end my fast with faith that the Government has heard not only my appeal but also the aspirations of lakhs of young Indians. In the absence of such an assurance, I will be forced to continue my fast indefinitely. I also hope that there will be no further use of excessive police force to repress the movement.”
Climate activist and engineer Sonam Wangchuk, who had been on a hunger strike against irregularities in the NEET paper, on Wednesday, 22 July, wrote to the government that he is willing to end the fast if they assure that none of the young protesters will face any punitive or retaliatory legal action for participating in the 20 July “Chalo Sansad March”.
Addressing the letter to Union Minister JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh, Wangchuk thanked them for visiting him at the hospital last night and for the earnest appeal that he end his fast.
He noted the government assured to positively consider the following, “Adequate compensation for the families of students who committed suicide following the examination paper leak. A meaningful discussion in Parliament to ensure accountability, including consideration of the resignation of the Education Minister.”
Recalling the Chalo Sansad, Wangchuk said, “It remained very peaceful despite the atrocities and disproportionate use of force by the police. The entire nation and the world witnessed their patience and commitment to democratic protest. I sincerely hope that this faith in democratic institutions is not further undermined by any legal cases, harassment or vindictive action against those who participated.”
Also Read: ‘Don’t waste our time’: SC refuses urgent hearing of plea against police crackdown on CJP protesters
Further addressing the government, Wangchuk said, “After your visit, roughly 65 Members of Parliament from across political parties have written to me, some have already come, and others are expected later this evening. They have all urged me to end my fast, reminding me that I still have much work to do in the service of our nation.”
“I agree with them, 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,” he added.
Putting forward his demands, Wangchuk urged, “Therefore, I respectfully request an unequivocal assurance from the Government that none of the young protesters will face any punitive or retaliatory legal action for participating in this movement. Their only ‘offence’ has been to raise their voice for a fair and accountable education system. If such an assurance is given, I shall end my fast with faith that the Government has heard not only my appeal but also the aspirations of lakhs of young Indians. In the absence of such an assurance, I will be forced to continue my fast indefinitely. I also hope that there will be no further use of excessive police force to repress the movement.”
“The future of our democracy depends not on how it treats those who agree with it, but on how it treats its young citizens when they dare to speak with courage, hope and conviction.”
AN APPEAL TO THE GOVERNMENT
regarding breaking my fast… pic.twitter.com/v1fbZiI66b— Sonam Wangchuk (@Wangchuk66) July 22, 2026
The Cockroach Janta Party also urged Sonam Wangchuk to please end his fast.
“Your sacrifice has inspired thousands of students across the country. On 20th July, young people travelled from different states to stand with you and this movement. You have shown that this fight is bigger than any one person and that students deserve justice. But right now, we need you to take care of your health. We promise that this struggle will not end with your fast, we will continue the protests and take this fight forward until our demands for examination justice are met. We will do everything we can to keep it moving.”
CJP’s Request To Sonam Sir,
Your sacrifice has inspired a generation. We respectfully request you to end your fast and take care of your health. We promise that the fight for examination justice will continue with even greater strength until our demands are met.
We will carry… pic.twitter.com/hziNy6sKIs
— Cockroach is Back (@Cockroachisback) July 22, 2026
Also Read: Opposition MPs, dressed in black, protest outside Parliament even as Centre agrees for NEET debate
