Sonam Wangchuk denied striking a deal with the government after ending a 26-day hunger strike in Delhi [1].
The denial comes as critics questioned the timing of the activist's decision to stop fasting, suggesting a secret agreement was reached to end the protest. Because Wangchuk is a prominent leader for the people of Ladakh, his perceived sincerity is central to the movement's momentum.
Wangchuk, the founder of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), posted a video message to Instagram to address the allegations. He said he stopped the fast because his health had deteriorated and he was forced to do so by his physical condition. He was taken to a government hospital in Delhi after the fast, which began in early June 2026 and concluded on June 23, 2026 [1], [2].
In the video, Wangchuk addressed those questioning his motives. "Do I need to prove my sincerity?" he said [3]. He said, "I have not made any deal with the government; I stopped because my health forced me to" [3].
The activist began his protest at Jantar Mantar in central Delhi to draw attention to the needs of the Ladakh region. Despite the health challenges that ended the fast, Wangchuk said he remains committed to the cause. He said that after 26 days [1] of hunger, he is back on his feet and will continue the fight for the people of Ladakh [3].
Wangchuk's response seeks to maintain the trust of his supporters while transitioning from a hunger strike to other forms of advocacy. He said that the end of the fast does not signal an end to the CJP's goals, or the broader protest movement in the region [2].
“"I have not made any deal with the government; I stopped because my health forced me to."”
The tension between Wangchuk's health requirements and the expectations of his followers highlights the precarious nature of hunger strikes as political tools. By explicitly denying a government deal, Wangchuk is attempting to prevent a narrative of capitulation that could weaken the Cockroach Janta Party's leverage in negotiations regarding Ladakh's autonomy and rights.
