Sonam Wangchuk Adds Fresh Demand: Climate activist and engineer Sonam Wangchuk on Wednesday said he is ready to stop his indefinite hunger strike, but only if the Centre gives an unequivocal assurance that no punitive or retaliatory legal action will be taken against students and young people who were part of the recent protest movement. He added that unless such a clear promise is provided, he won’t back down and he won’t just move on quietly either.
The fresh demand comes as Wangchuk remains under treatment in the intensive care unit (ICU) at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram after his health deteriorated during the prolonged fast. His latest condition adds a new dimension to the ongoing negotiations between the government and the protest leadership.
Sonam Wangchuk Adds Fresh Demand
In a letter addressed to Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda and Union Minister Jitendra Singh, Wangchuk said he was encouraged by discussions held with the ministers. According to him, assured that the government would positively consider compensation for families of students who allegedly died by suicide following examination paper leak controversies.
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He also said the ministers conveyed that Parliament could hold a substantive discussion on fixing accountability in the examination system. “The ministers promised a meaningful discussion in Parliament on fixing accountability, including consideration of the Education Minister’s resignation,” he said.
However, Wangchuk made it clear that he would end his fast only after receiving a firm assurance that participants in the movement would not face legal cases, harassment or any retaliatory action for taking part in peaceful protests.
“Our youth should not be punished”
In his communication, Wangchuk stressed that the students and young protesters had exercised their democratic right through peaceful demonstrations and should not be subjected to legal consequences.
He also urged authorities to avoid the excessive use of police force against demonstrators, saying the future of democratic participation depends on whether young citizens can raise their voices without fear of reprisals.
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Sonam Wangchuk’s Health
Doctors at Medanta Hospital have said Wangchuk is stable, conscious and oriented, although he continues to remain in the ICU under close medical observation. He was shifted to the private hospital following earlier treatment at Safdarjung Hospital after intervention by the Delhi High Court.
His prolonged fast has drawn widespread attention from civil society groups, students and political leaders, with growing concern over his health and repeated appeals urging him to end the protest.
Wangchuk launched his indefinite hunger strike in late June in support of students demanding accountability over alleged examination irregularities and reforms in the country’s examination system. The movement later kind of grew through the “Chalo Sansad” campaign, drawing thousands of supporters even with restrictions on public gatherings in a few parts of Delhi.
Authorities earlier removed Wangchuk from the protest spot on medical grounds, saying his health deteriorated, but the action triggered more public debate and also legal proceedings.
What Happens Next?
The Centre has not yet publicly announced whether it will accept Wangchuk’s latest demand for immunity from legal action against protesters. Until such an assurance is received, Wangchuk has indicated that his hunger strike will continue despite being under medical supervision.
