GUWAHATI: Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk on Friday, July 24, ended his 26-day hunger strike after the Centre gave written assurances to address the NEET paper leak issue, reform the country's examination system, and consider compensation for families of students who died by suicide following the controversy.
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Wangchuk broke his fast at Medanta Hospital in the presence of Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda and Minister of State for the Prime Minister's Office Jitendra Singh.
According to the Centre's written assurance, the issue of accountability in the examination system and measures to prevent paper leaks will be discussed in Parliament. The government also said it is positively considering compensation for the affected families and indicated that no cases would be registered against those who participated peacefully in the protests at Jantar Mantar and the July 20 'Chalo Sansad' march.
Wangchuk said he had insisted on a written commitment before ending his fast and thanked the government for responding to the concerns raised by students and peaceful protesters.
The activist had been on an indefinite hunger strike since July 28, demanding accountability for the NEET paper leak and comprehensive reforms to India's examination system. His protest received support from Members of Parliament across party lines, student groups, and civil society organisations.