“Meet My Three Conditions”: Sonam Wangchuk Agrees To End Hunger Strike If Demands Are Accepted

New Delhi: Activist and educator Sonam Wangchuk has said he is prepared to end his hunger strike of more than 20 days, but only if three key conditions are fulfilled. The announcement came through a handwritten letter from Safdarjung Hospital in New Delhi, where he is currently undergoing medical care after being shifted from the protest site.
In his letter, Wangchuk stated that his first condition is for the government to acknowledge and take responsibility for alleged shortcomings in the education system, particularly in light of the recent NEET examination paper leak controversy. His second demand is that political leaders publicly assure him that the issue of examination paper leaks will be raised in Parliament.
His third condition is that senior political leaders personally visit him at the hospital and provide assurances on the first two demands if his health does not allow him to participate in the planned Parliament march.
Wangchuk also claimed that he was being held under “illegal detention” at the hospital, alleging that his freedom of movement, speech and communication had been restricted.
The activist began his indefinite hunger strike on June 28 while participating in a protest at Jantar Mantar, calling for greater transparency and accountability in the education system and demanding the resignation of the Union Education Minister over the NEET paper leak issue.
On the 21st day of his fast, authorities shifted Wangchuk to Safdarjung Hospital after medical experts warned that his condition had become critical and that prolonged fasting could lead to organ failure. The move followed the Delhi High Court’s direction that the government take all necessary steps to protect his life.
Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court declined an interim plea seeking to transfer Wangchuk to a private hospital, observing that the authorities were justified in shifting him to Safdarjung Hospital due to his deteriorating health. The court also noted that he was under close medical supervision and receiving treatment with his consent. His family is expected to challenge the order before a division bench while seeking an urgent hearing.