Indian activist Sonam Wangchuk ends hunger strike over exam leak crisis

Indian activist and educator Sonam Wangchuk has ended his 26-day hunger strike after the Central Government provided written assurances addressing concerns over examination paper leaks and reforms to the country’s competitive examination system.

Wangchuk broke his fast early Friday at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram after receiving formal commitments from the government through Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda and Union Minister Jitendra Singh. The 59-year-old activist, who reportedly lost about 11 kilograms during the protest, took his first liquid intake in nearly four weeks in the presence of government officials, family members and supporters.

The hunger strike, which began in late June, was aimed at demanding stronger safeguards against examination malpractice, accountability for paper leaks, and protection for students participating in peaceful demonstrations.

Speaking after ending his fast, Wangchuk said he insisted on receiving the government’s commitments in writing before agreeing to call off the protest.

“For the last two days, we were engaged in very tough negotiations because I wanted an assurance in writing,” he said in a video message.

According to Wangchuk, the government pledged to facilitate a detailed parliamentary debate on examination reforms and measures to tackle recurring paper leak scandals during the ongoing monsoon session of Parliament.

The written assurances also reportedly state that no punitive or criminal action will be taken against students and protesters who participated peacefully in the demonstrations. In addition, the government indicated it would give positive consideration to compensation for families affected by examination-related controversies.

Government officials also disclosed that a cross-party group of 65 Members of Parliament had appealed to Wangchuk to end the fast while committing to raise the issue of examination integrity in Parliament.

Although Wangchuk has suspended his hunger strike, student organisations behind the nationwide protests said their campaign would continue.

The protesters are demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, whom they hold responsible for repeated examination irregularities. They are also calling for permanent legal and institutional reforms to prevent future paper leaks and strengthen transparency in India’s examination system.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Wangchuk’s decision to end the fast, wishing him a speedy recovery.

Meanwhile, the federal government announced plans to establish specialised fast-track courts to accelerate the prosecution of criminal syndicates involved in examination paper leaks.

Throughout the protest, Wangchuk repeatedly urged students to remain peaceful and continue advocating for reforms through non-violent means, stressing that the movement should remain focused on strengthening educational institutions and ensuring accountability in the examination system.