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// DOSSIER — sonam-wangchuk-hunger-strike-exam-leak-protests
Indian Activist Sonam Wangchuk Ends 26-Day Hunger Strike Amid Ongoing Exam Leak Protests
REL_TIME: 24 Jul 2026 10:28Z · LANG: EN
On July 23, 2026, Indian activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram after receiving key assurances from the federal government regarding the NEET-UG 2026 exam paper leak scandal. The fast, which began on June 28 in solidarity with the youth-led Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), concluded following late-night negotiations with Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh. While the government agreed not to prosecute peaceful protesters, reshuffled key education bureaucracy, and proposed fast-track courts to handle exam fraud, the CJP has vowed to continue its nationwide demonstrations until Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns.
// Background
The protests erupted following widespread irregularities and paper leaks in the NEET-UG 2026 medical entrance exams, affecting millions of students. The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which began as an online satire project, quickly grew into a massive youth-led movement fueled by frustration over job shortages and recurring exam scandals. Protests escalated significantly on July 20, 2026, during a 'Sansad Chalo' march to Parliament, resulting in police baton charges, tear gas, metro station closures, and mobile internet suspensions in central Delhi.
// Key Developments
- Activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike on July 23, 2026, after losing approximately 11 kilograms.
- Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh met Wangchuk at Medanta Hospital to deliver official government assurances.
- The government agreed not to register cases against peaceful protesters and to consider compensation for NEET-related suicide victims.
- Higher Education Secretary Vineet Joshi was replaced by Naresh Pal Gangwar in a major bureaucratic reshuffle.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced plans for a tougher law and fast-track courts to prosecute exam fraud.
- The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) welcomed Wangchuk's decision but declared their protests will continue until Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns.
// Timeline
-
Sonam Wangchuk begins an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar in solidarity with CJP.
-
Delhi Police forcibly transfer Wangchuk to Safdarjung Hospital; his wife Gitanjali Angmo challenges the move in the Delhi High Court, leading to his transfer to Medanta Hospital.
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CJP's 'Sansad Chalo' march to Parliament is met with police tear gas and baton charges.
-
The government reshuffles the education bureaucracy, appoints Judge Anu Grover Baliga to a special court, and PM Modi promises stricter laws.
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Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh meet Wangchuk at Medanta Hospital; Wangchuk officially breaks his 26-day fast.
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CJP confirms protests will continue; Union Cabinet schedules a meeting to finalize the fast-track court and anti-leak bill resolutions.
// Perspectives
[Sonam Wangchuk]
Ended his fast to prevent potential national violence after securing government assurances on student safety and exam reform discussions.
[Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)]
Relieved by Wangchuk's safety but determined to continue nationwide protests until Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns.
[Prime Minister Narendra Modi & Union Government]
Promised strict legal action, fast-track courts, and bureaucratic reshuffling to address paper leaks while urging Wangchuk to recover his health.
[Human Rights Groups (Amnesty International & Human Rights Watch)]
Condemned the Indian government's excessive use of force and internet shutdowns against peaceful student protesters.
// Quotes
“Just now in the presence of Union Ministers JP Nadda, Dr Jitendra Singh and the senior leaders of Apex Body of Leh Ladakh, I finally broke my fast after 26 days.”
“The Cockroach Janta Party’s peaceful protest at Jantar Mantar will continue until Dharmendra Pradhan resigns.”
“The government is positive on not registering cases against those protesting peacefully at Jantar Mantar in Delhi and those who participated in the march to Parliament on July 20, 2026.”
