Climate activist says government pledges compensation for paper-leak suicide victims, promises parliamentary debate on exam reforms.
Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike on Thursday after receiving a written commitment from the Centre addressing his key demands. The 59-year-old, speaking from Medanta Hospital, said Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh met him late at night alongside Ladakh Apex Body leaders to convey the government’s assurances.
In its written statement, the Centre said it would not register cases against those who protested peacefully at Jantar Mantar or marched to Parliament on July 20. It also committed to holding detailed parliamentary discussions on paper leaks and examination reforms, and said it was “positively considering” compensation for families of NEET paper-leak suicide victims.
Wangchuk revealed that roughly 65 MPs across party lines had signed a letter urging him to end the fast, offering the same assurances later echoed by the visiting ministers. He said he held out for two extra days specifically to secure the commitment in writing.
“That process took two days, which is why I had to continue my hunger strike for two more days. I was prepared to continue even longer if necessary,” Wangchuk said, describing the negotiations as tough but ultimately successful.
The protest, linked to the broader Cockroach Janta Party movement, has drawn wide public and political attention over the past several weeks.
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