In brief
Sonam Wangchuk, a prominent Indian activist, ended a 26‑day hunger strike that began in support of youth‑led protests demanding education reforms. He cited a negotiated agreement on several conditions, including a commitment from the government not to use force against demonstrators, as the reason for ending his fast and to prevent further violence. Wangchuk, who belongs to the Cockroach Janta Party, had lost 11 kilograms while fasting and was previously hospitalized after a forced removal from a protest site in Delhi. The activist’s decision is seen as a pivotal moment in the ongoing calls for education minister resignation and broader policy changes.
India activist Sonam Wangchuk has ended a 26‑day hunger strike after negotiations with authorities.
In a post on X, "Sonam sir" announced that he concluded the fast following discussions on multiple conditions, including a government pledge not to use force against protesters and measures to avoid potential violence in the country.
Wangchuk, 59, had mobilised the strike to support the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), whose members demand the resignation of India’s education minister. During the fast he lost 11kg (24lb) but remained alive after being forcibly removed from a protest venue in Delhi last Saturday and taken to hospital.
The activist’s decision is considered a turning point in the collective push for education reforms, reflecting the broader youth‑led protests sweeping the nation.
