Sonam Wangchuk Ends 26-Day Hunger Strike Following Government's...
Renowned education reformer and activist Sonam Wangchuk officially called off his 26-day indefinite hunger strike at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram on...
By GT24x7 Reporter··GlobalToday24x7
Renowned education reformer and activist Sonam Wangchuk officially called off his 26-day indefinite hunger strike at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram on Thursday night, following formal written assurances from the Central Government regarding the student protesters.
The decision brings a resolution to the weeks-long standoff that had drawn widespread attention across the nation, alongside ongoing student demonstrations at Jantar Mantar.
Key Assurances Provided by the Government
The resolution was reached after the government issued an official written document addressing the primary concerns raised by Wangchuk during his fast. The key commitments include:
Protection for Protesters: A formal guarantee that no legal, police, or punitive actions (such as FIRs) will be taken against students and youth participating in peaceful demonstrations.
Parliamentary Discussion: An assurance that issues surrounding examination integrity and paper leaks will be taken up for discussion during the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament.
Review of Relief Measures: Consideration of government relief and support for families impacted by exam-related distress.
Ministers Visit Medanta Hospital
The fast was concluded in the presence of senior Cabinet leadership. Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare J.P. Nadda, along with Minister of State Dr. Jitendra Singh, visited Wangchuk at Medanta Hospital late Thursday night.
The ministers offered Wangchuk a glass of juice to formally break his fast, in the presence of his wife, Gitanjali Angmo, and senior representatives of the Apex Body of Leh-Ladakh. The breakthrough followed appeals from nearly 65 Members of Parliament across various political parties urging Wangchuk to end his hunger strike due to deteriorating health.
Focus Shifts to Legislative Action
Speaking briefly following the conclusion of his fast, Wangchuk expressed satisfaction over the written safeguards granted to the student protesters. He noted that with the immediate safety of the demonstrating youth assured, the broader dialogue regarding educational reforms and systemic measures against paper leaks will now move to the parliamentary floor.