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GURUGRAM — Renowned education reformer and activist Sonam Wangchuk has stated that he is prepared to end his indefinite hunger strike—now in its 25th day—provided the Union Government gives an “unequivocal assurance” that no punitive, vindictive, or retaliatory legal action will be taken against young student protesters.
In an open letter addressed to Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda and Minister of State for the Prime Minister’s Office Jitendra Singh, Wangchuk expressed his willingness to call off the fast, which began on June 28 over systemic examination leaks and education reform demands.
“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.”
— Sonam Wangchuk, excerpt from his open letter to Union Ministers.
Key Developments & Government Assurances
Wangchuk, currently recovering under medical supervision at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram, acknowledged the late-night visit by Nadda and Singh. During their interaction, the Union Ministers offered assurances regarding several core issues raised by the movement:
Compensation for Affected Families: Positive consideration of monetary relief and support for families of students who tragically died by suicide following paper leak scandals.
Parliamentary Discussion on Accountability: Assurance of a structured debate on educational accountability in the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament, including examining ministerial oversight.
Safety of Young Demonstrators: Wangchuk’s newly highlighted condition requiring an explicit guarantee that peaceful demonstrators will not face police harassment, FIRs, or legal prosecution following the recent “Chalo Sansad” march.
Background and Police Crackdown
The agitation, coordinated alongside student groups under the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) movement, culminated in a massive “Chalo Sansad” march toward Parliament in New Delhi on July 20. The demonstration met heavy police presence, resulting in barricades, tear gas, and multiple detentions.
Despite police action and the registration of multiple FIRs in the capital, Wangchuk commended the students for maintaining non-violent resistance.
“I want to live. I want to return to my students, to education, and to the work that has defined my life,” Wangchuk noted in his statement, citing appeals from nearly 65 Members of Parliament urging him to preserve his life. “But I cannot do so at the cost of the very young people for whom this movement began.”
An official response from the Ministry of Home Affairs regarding the requested written immunity assurance is currently awaited.
