Sonam Wangchuk's Hunger Strike: Activist Sets Conditions for Ending Fast

Sonam Wangchuk, the climate activist, continues his hunger strike, now in its 23rd day, demanding accountability from the government regarding failures in the education system. He has set three conditions for ending his fast, including assurances from MPs that the issues will be addressed in Parliament. His health remains a concern, with supporters rallying for his recovery. Wangchuk's protest highlights the critical need for reforms in India's education sector, particularly regarding examination paper leaks. His commitment to the cause remains steadfast as he awaits concrete responses from the government.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 20, 2026, 12:28 IST

Activist's Hunger Strike Continues

File photo of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk during his hunger strike at Jantar Mantar. (Photo:PTI)

New Delhi, July 20: Activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike for over three weeks, announced that he would conclude his fast on Monday, provided three specific conditions mentioned in a handwritten letter from Safdarjung Hospital are met.

Currently on the 23rd day of his fast, Wangchuk was admitted to Safdarjung Hospital on July 18. In the note he shared on X, he claimed he was being held under 'illegal detention' at the facility.

In a message to his supporters, Wangchuk stated: 'Dear friends & Supporters, many of you have inquired about when I will end my fast. As previously mentioned, I will conclude my fast on July 20… if the government takes responsibility for the recent failures in the education system, including paper leaks.'

He further added, 'If I and the leadership of CJP reach the Parliament, where honorable MPs and leaders from various parties assure us that they will address the issue in Parliament.'

Wangchuk also specified a third condition, indicating that if his health deteriorated to the point where he could no longer continue the fast, he would agree to end it if MPs and leaders from different political parties visited him at the hospital and provided assurances that the issue would be raised in Parliament.

The activist's protest aims to highlight what he perceives as significant flaws in India's education system, particularly the persistent problem of examination paper leaks. He demands that the government acknowledge these failures and commit to substantial corrective measures.

Wangchuk's health has garnered considerable public concern, with supporters expressing their hopes for his quick recovery. The hospital has assured that his treatment is being conducted with the utmost care and expertise, reflecting the seriousness of his condition and the need for ongoing monitoring.

In his latest communication, Wangchuk emphasized that his decision to end the fast hinges on tangible assurances rather than mere verbal commitments. He stated he would persist with his protest unless the government accepted accountability for the education system's shortcomings or elected officials pledged to address the matter in Parliament.