New Delhi: Sonam Wangchuk has said he is ready to end his hunger strike once the Central government assures him that no legal action will be taken against the young protesters who are demanding accountability over the NEET-UG paper leak and resignation of Union Education minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
“I respectfully request an unequivocal assurance from the government that none of the young protesters will face any punitive or retaliatory legal action for participating in the movement,” he said in a letter to Union ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh.
Thanking Nadda and Singh for visiting him at Medanta Hospital, Wangchuk wrote in a letter that the protesters were only raising their voices for a fair and accountable education system.
In a video message from his hospital bed on Day 25 of his hunger strike, the 59-year-old activist shared a health update, saying he had lost 11 kg. “Mai abhi zinda hoon (I am still alive),” he said.
Praising the young protesters, Wangchuk stressed that the Parliament march on July 20 was “very peaceful” despite “provocations”.
The Ladakh-based activist said 65 parliamentarians have urged him to end his fast over the last few hours, and he himself wanted to return to his field of work. But that was not possible at the cost of the young people at the centre of this movement, he stressed, calling for an assurance that no action would be taken against them.
“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.”
ABHI BHI ZINDA HUN…. DAY 25 pic.twitter.com/SnwKXMfvOO
— Sonam Wangchuk (@Wangchuk66) July 22, 2026
Protest turns violent again
Shortly after Wangchuk’s message to the government, there were reports of fresh violence on Wednesday evening.
Protesters reportedly turned violent on Tolstoy Marg and pelted stones at security personnel, injuring five policemen.
According to police, the crowd that had gathered at Jantar Mantar moved towards Tolstoy Marg, where some protesters allegedly resorted to stone-pelting and hurled bottles at cops. Delhi Police and Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel are at the spot and trying to bring the situation under control.
Police claimed five of their personnel were injured, including two Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs), two inspectors. Police said some protesters also brandished swords and khukris during the incident.
In another development, lawyers have decided to recite the preamble of the Constitution on the Supreme Court lawns at 1.15 pm on Thursday.
“Save Democracy, Save Constitution,” a notice said.
“Join us in defending our rights,” it added.
