'No One To Dictate': Sonam Wangchuk Leaves Accountability To Govt. What He Said Before Ending His Fast

Published 24 July 2026 · india

'No One To Dictate': Sonam Wangchuk Leaves Accountability To Govt. What He Said Before Ending His Fast Published By, Last Updated: July 24, 2026, 07:57

'No One To Dictate': Sonam Wangchuk Leaves Accountability To Govt. What He Said Before Ending His Fast Published By, Last Updated: July 24, 2026, 07:57 IST Sonam Wangchuk ends his 26-day hunger strike after government assurances on NEET reforms, accountability and compensation, while urging protesters to remain peaceful. Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike after the Centre assured discussions on examination reforms, accountability for lapses, compensation for victims and protection for peaceful protesters. (Photo: PTI) Activist Sonam Wangchuk on Friday ended his 26-day hunger strike after receiving a series of assurances from the Centre, saying he was grateful for the government’s response while making it clear that he would not dictate how ministerial accountability should be determined. Before breaking his fast, Wangchuk also issued a strong appeal for peace, saying he did not approve of violence of any kind and urging protesters not to allow anti-social elements to hijack the movement. The activist ended his fast in the presence of Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh, senior leaders of the Apex Body of Leh-Ladakh, doctors, family members and supporters after what he later described as a “long negotiation" over various conditions. ‘Government Has Shown Sensitivity’: Wangchuk Before ending his fast, Wangchuk thanked the Centre for responding to the concerns of students and families affected by the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak controversy. “I am grateful that the government has shown sensitivity towards the children, towards the victims, towards the youth who were peacefully protesting on those dates," Wangchuk said. He added that both the ruling party and Opposition MPs had assured him that Parliament would deliberate on reforms to the examination system. “And that both the ruling party and MPs from the opposition have assured me that their discussions will happen on the floor of the Parliament regarding reforms in the examination system," he said.

ALSO READ | ‘Follow Doctor’s Advice, Regain Old Weight’: PM Modi To Sonam Wangchuk As He Ends 26-Day Hunger Strike According to Wangchuk, those discussions would not only focus on reforms but also on ensuring accountability so that similar incidents never recur. “And that we will also be discussing the accountability for such lapses and that we all make sure that such things never happen. No child, no parent will have to go through what these 20 children and their parents have to go through," he said. Leaves Accountability To Government Significantly, Wangchuk stopped short of demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, instead saying the question of accountability should be left to the government’s judgment. “I am happy that you have assured me that, and I am sure that the children have been demanding. At the suitable time, I am no one to dictate. You will take accountability in the ministry with the minister also as a responsibility, and I am sure you are already considering," Wangchuk said. His remarks marked a measured position, expressing confidence that the government would decide on ministerial accountability at an appropriate time rather than making it a condition for ending his fast. Wangchuk also appealed to protesting students across the country to maintain peace and ensure that their movement remained genuine. “I want to appeal to the protesting students to maintain utmost peace. To express their feelings is a legitimate thing. But I do not approve of violence of any kind, and allowing any antisocial elements to take advantage of this is not acceptable to me. It should be a genuine demand by genuinely concerned people in the state," he said. ALSO READ | ‘Not An Ordinary Issue’: PM Modi Vows Tougher Action On Paper Leaks At Cabinet Meeting Today With those remarks, Wangchuk announced that he was ending his fast.