Wangchuk Breaks 26-Day Hunger Strike After Talks With Centre

Nadda, Jitendra Singh Help Break Fast

In hospital visuals, Jitendra Singh could be seen propping up Wangchuk while Nadda offered the first sip from a glass in an effort to break his fast. Wangchuk's wife Gitanjali Angmo was present and appeared to have a conversation with the two ministers.

Sources confirmed that Nadda and Singh had met Wangchuk after negotiations had taken place between the former and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Wangchuk officially announced the breaking of his fast after the meeting. He soon after issued a tweet confirming the move where he said that he had broken his fast after protracted negotiations, due to the worry that the protests might turn violent. 

"Just now in the presence of Union Ministers JP Nadda & Dr Jitendra Singh and the senior leaders of Apex Body of Leh Ladakh I finally broke my fast after 26 days. Earlier 65 Members of Parliament from different political parties had visited or signed letters urging me to break the fast. This was done after a long negotiation on various conditions and in view of possible violence in the country. Meanwhile I urge you all to stay very vigilant about not allowing violence of any kind anywhere," Wangchuk said.

PM Modi Wishes Wangchuk Quick Recovery

Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished him a speedy recovery. 

"I urge Sonam ji to follow his routine as per the doctors' advice and regain his old weight as soon as possible. I pray to the Lord that Sonam ji remains healthy," Modi said in a post on social media platform X.

Dipke Vows Protest Until Pradhan Resigns

The founder of the CJP, Abhijeet Dipke, expressed satisfaction with Wangchuk's decision but claimed that the agitation would continue.

"We are relieved and grateful that Sonam sir has ended his hunger strike after 26 days. Thank you, sir, for your extraordinary courage and sacrifice. By putting your own life on the line, you awakened the conscience of an entire nation. Your life is far too precious to this country. The Cockroach Janta Party’s peaceful protest at Jantar Mantar will continue until Dharmendra Pradhan resigns," he said.

Government Readies Anti-Paper Leak Bill

Wangchuk's announcement came shortly after the government had introduced several provisions to address the students' concerns with regard to the NEET paper leak. On Thursday evening, PM Narendra Modi had stated that a draft bill would be presented in the Union cabinet with provisions for establishing fast track courts, and for implementing stringent punishment for those involved in paper leaks. 

He said that students had not even lost out on an academic year by re-examining and declaring the results of the exam. However, the Prime Minister was still not satisfied with just these measures. He stated that stringent punishments and speedy trials were aspects that were included in the drafted bill, which is to be finalized once approval from the cabinet is attained, following which it will be introduced in the Parliament during the ongoing monsoon session.