NEW DELHI: Indian social activist Sonam Wangchuk has ended his 26-day hunger strike, bringing to a close a protest launched in solidarity with India’s youth-led movement demanding accountability over alleged examination paper leaks.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Wangchuk said he decided to end his fast after lengthy negotiations and due to concerns about the possibility of violence across the country.
“After a long negotiation on various conditions and in view of possible violence in the country, I have ended my hunger strike,” Wangchuk said.
The 59-year-old activist had been observing the hunger strike since June 28 in support of the student-led “Cockroach Movement,” which has staged nationwide demonstrations over alleged irregularities in India’s medical college entrance examinations.
The protesters are demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, accusing the government of failing to prevent examination paper leaks and protect the integrity of the country’s education system.
The youth-led campaign has drawn widespread public attention, with demonstrations taking place in several cities and calls for greater transparency in competitive examinations.
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Although Wangchuk has ended his fast, it remains unclear whether the student movement will suspend its protests, as organizers continue to press the government for reforms and accountability.
The Indian government has not yet issued a detailed response regarding Wangchuk’s decision or the protesters’ latest demands.
