New Delhi, July 25: Activist Sonam Wangchuk has rejected allegations of striking a “deal” with the Centre, saying he ended his 26-day indefinite hunger strike only after receiving a written assurance that no legal action would be taken against peaceful protesters and to prevent a possible crackdown similar to the 2025 police action in Ladakh.
In a YouTube video released late Friday, Wangchuk said he feared an imminent police crackdown in Delhi and decided to end his fast to help defuse tensions. Recalling the September 24, 2025, firing on youths in Ladakh, he said he wanted to ensure that students participating in the agitation did not face violence or legal action.
He clarified that he did not press for Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan‘s resignation during talks with the Centre because his immediate priority was securing protection for protesters. Rejecting claims of a compromise, Wangchuk questioned why he would endure a 26-day fast if he intended to strike a deal.
Wangchuk also alleged that after being shifted to Safdarjung Hospital on July 18, he was treated “like a prisoner,” claiming he was denied free movement, visitors and access to 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 later met him at Medanta Hospital and agreed to positively consider compensation for families of students who died by suicide following the alleged NEET paper leak, besides holding discussions in Parliament on examination reforms and accountability.
He said the ministers initially offered only a verbal assurance against legal action for peaceful protesters, but he insisted on a written commitment before agreeing to end his fast.
Wangchuk expressed disappointment that fellow activists, students, MPs and representatives from Ladakh were unable to be present when he ended his fast, claiming they were not allowed to meet him before the ministers arrived.
He concluded his hunger strike shortly after midnight on Thursday after the Centre issued a written assurance regarding protection for peaceful protesters, discussions on examination reforms and positive consideration of compensation for affected families. Wangchuk had been on an indefinite fast since June 28 as part of the Cockroach Janta Party-led agitation over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations and demands for education reforms. (Agencies)
