New Delhi: Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk on Wednesday said he would end his hunger strike over the alleged NEET paper leak only after the Central government gives a clear assurance that no punitive legal action will be taken against protesters who participated in the Chalo Sansad march. In a letter addressed to Union Ministers J P Nadda and Jitendra Singh, Wangchuk said he was willing to end his fast if the government guaranteed that the young protesters would not face legal harassment or retaliatory action.

Writes to Union ministers

In his letter to Union Health Minister J P Nadda and Union Minister Jitendra Singh, Wangchuk thanked them for visiting him in hospital and appealing to him to end his hunger strike.

He said the ministers had assured him that the government would positively consider the demands he had raised during their discussions.

According to Wangchuk, these included adequate compensation for the families of students who allegedly died by suicide following the alleged examination paper leak and a meaningful discussion in Parliament to ensure accountability, including consideration of the resignation of the Union Education Minister.

Seeks protection for protesters

Wangchuk, however, said he wanted an unequivocal assurance from the government that participants in the Chalo Sansad march would not face punitive or retaliatory legal action.

He described the march held on July 20, 2026, as peaceful despite what he alleged was disproportionate use of force by the police.

According to him, the protesters had exercised patience and upheld democratic values throughout the demonstration.

He expressed hope that those who participated in the protest would not be subjected to legal cases or harassment for raising concerns about the education system.

Says he wants to end fast and return to work

Wangchuk said he wished to end his hunger strike and resume his work in education, but added that he could not do so if it meant compromising the interests of the students whose concerns had prompted the movement.

He said around 65 Members of Parliament from different political parties had written to him or met him, urging him to end the fast and continue serving the country.

While acknowledging their appeal, Wangchuk said his decision depended on the government’s response regarding the treatment of the protesters.

Demands fair treatment

The activist said the young participants in the movement had committed no offence other than demanding a transparent and accountable education system.

He urged the government to ensure that they were not subjected to retaliatory measures for exercising their democratic right to protest.

According to Wangchuk, such an assurance would demonstrate that the government had listened not only to his concerns but also to the aspirations of students across the country.

Fast to continue without assurance

Wangchuk stated that if the government provided the assurance he had sought, he would end his hunger strike in good faith.

However, he said he would be compelled to continue the fast indefinitely if no such commitment was made.

He also appealed to the authorities to avoid the use of excessive police force against future demonstrations.

Conclusion

Sonam Wangchuk has linked the end of his hunger strike to a formal assurance from the Central government that participants in the Chalo Sansad protest will not face punitive legal action. While expressing his desire to resume his educational work, he said protecting the interests of the protesting students remains his foremost priority.