Wangchuk clarifies 'disagreement with Centre', ends strike amid fears of Ladakh-like crackdown after critics slam

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who ended her 26-day hunger strike on the night of Thursday to Friday, clarified the reason for ending her indefinite hunger strike and rejected claims that she had reached an agreement with the government.

In a YouTube video posted late on Friday, Wangchuk said he feared an imminent crackdown on protesters and wanted to prevent violence, recalling the September 24, 2025 shooting of youths in Ladakh. Further, the activist explained that his primary objective was to ensure that students involved in the protests did not face violence or legal consequences, news agency PTI reported.

Wangchuk issues an explanation regarding the end of the hunger strike

Wangchuk, who began an indefinite hunger strike on June 28 in support of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) seeking the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, along with other demands, clarified that he did not ask for the resignation of the Education Minister during the negotiations as his priority was to prevent any legal action against the protesters. He further expressed his belief that Pradhan would eventually step down.

In his video message, the activist said, “Last night around midnight, I was told that the ministers had agreed to give an assurance in writing. I was in a hurry because the situation in Delhi was like this; there were fears that there might be a major crackdown. I was watching the news and it reminded me of September 24, 2025, when the police and CRPF could become police and the CRPF personnel were afraid of something like that. I felt, that if I ended my fast and asked for peace, perhaps the situation could be diffused.”

“Treated as a prisoner.” Wangchuk

Responding to criticism of ending the fast at Medanta Hospital in the presence of Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh, he said those questioning his decision to end the hunger strike were not aware of the circumstances he faced after being shifted from the protest site.

Wangchuk added: “If I had to make a deal, would I starve for 26 days? Couldn’t I make a deal sitting in an air-conditioned room instead of fasting in Delhi?”

He also claimed that he was treated “like a prisoner” after being shifted to Safdarjung Hospital on July 18, adding that he was denied free movement, was not allowed to meet visitors and was not allowed to keep his mobile phone or laptop.

Describing his experience, he said, “It was like being in North Korea,” adding that although the Delhi High Court allowed his transfer to Medanta Hospital, Safdarjung Hospital authorities did not let him leave for several hours.

Wangchuk says Pradhan’s resignation is not the primary concern

He reiterated that his primary concern is protecting students rather than seeking the minister’s resignation. Wangchuk expressed confidence that the ongoing movement led by the CJP would continue to call for Pradhan’s resignation, noting, “My focus was on ensuring that students did not suffer. My main concern was legal action and FIRs. I did not think it was necessary for me to personally secure the minister’s resignation.”

Wangchuk called off his hunger strike shortly after midnight on Thursday after the Center gave written assurances that it would not pursue cases against peaceful protesters, facilitate a detailed parliamentary debate on exam reforms and document leaks, and favorably consider compensation for the families of students who died by suicide in the alleged NEET paper leak.