Activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike on Thursday night after receiving written assurances from the Central government, marking a significant breakthrough in the ongoing discussions surrounding the NEET paper leak protests and education reforms. The fast was concluded at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram in the presence of Union Health Minister JP Nadda and Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office Dr. Jitendra Singh. The development followed a day of high-level meetings within the government aimed at resolving the impasse while prioritising Wangchuk's health.

According to sources, the breakthrough came after Union Home Minister Amit Shah held a four-hour meeting with JP Nadda and Dr. Jitendra Singh as student protests intensified and concerns grew over Wangchuk's deteriorating health. During the discussions, the government reportedly decided to adopt a positive approach towards the activist's demands while ensuring immediate medical attention. Following the meeting, Dr. Jitendra Singh spoke with Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali Angmo, assuring her that the government was committed to addressing the issues raised and urging the family to persuade Wangchuk to end his fast.

Later in the evening, JP Nadda and Dr. Jitendra Singh met Wangchuk at the hospital and handed over the Centre's written assurance. The government also agreed to initiate formal dialogue with the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) delegation at a neutral venue on Friday after protest leaders declined an earlier invitation to hold talks at the Health Minister's residence or office. A structured dialogue between the Centre and the protesters had been one of Wangchuk's key demands during the hunger strike.

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Sources further stated that the government assured Wangchuk that a new Bill under the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) framework would be introduced in Parliament next week, subject to Cabinet approval. The Centre also expressed willingness to consider several other demands, including refraining from taking legal action against students who participated in peaceful demonstrations. Additionally, the government reiterated its commitment to discussing paper leaks and broader examination reforms in Parliament while positively considering compensation for families of those who allegedly died by suicide in connection with the NEET paper leak issue.

Reading out the government's assurances, JP Nadda said that no cases would be registered against those who protested peacefully at Jantar Mantar or participated in the July 20 march to Parliament. Following the announcement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted a message on social media urging Wangchuk to follow medical advice, regain his health, and recover fully. The Prime Minister also prayed for Wangchuk's well-being after the conclusion of the prolonged fast.

After ending the hunger strike, Wangchuk expressed his intention to return to Ladakh but said he would first engage with students and supporters associated with the movement. According to sources, he assured the visiting ministers that he would encourage protesters to maintain faith in the government's assurances, continue pursuing peaceful dialogue, and remain vigilant against any anti-social elements that could divert the movement from its stated objectives. The coming days are expected to focus on formal negotiations between the Centre and protest representatives as the dialogue process moves forward.

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