Educator and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk said he will end his indefinite hunger strike only if the government meets three specific conditions [1].
The protest centers on the alleged NEET-UG paper leak, a controversy that has sparked widespread concerns over the integrity of India's medical entrance examinations. Wangchuk's demands aim to secure legal protections for those protesting the leaks and hold high-level officials accountable.
Wangchuk announced the conditions on July 18, 2026, which marked the 21st day of his strike [2]. The primary requirement is a government guarantee that no legal action will be taken against the protesters [1].
"I will end my fast if the government assures that no legal action will be taken against the protesters," Wangchuk said [1].
In addition to the legal guarantee, Wangchuk demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan [3]. The activist said that the protest had entered a crucial phase and that his team was re-evaluating their demands [1].
The hunger strike began in early July 2026, with reports noting it had reached day six by July 3 [4]. The physical toll of the fast became evident early in the process; by the 11th day, Wangchuk had lost more than seven kg [5].
The protest took place at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi before moving to Safdarjung Hospital [2]. By the time the conditions for ending the fast were listed, the strike had lasted over three weeks [6].
"We also demand the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan," Wangchuk said [1].
“I will end my fast if the government assures that no legal action will be taken against the protesters.”
This escalation signifies a shift from a general protest against examination irregularities to a direct political confrontation with the Ministry of Education. By tying the end of his fast to the resignation of a union minister and legal immunity for protesters, Wangchuk is attempting to leverage his personal health and public profile to force a systemic admission of failure regarding the NEET-UG paper leak.
