Sonam Wangchuk Ends 26-Day Hunger Strike Following Government's Anti-Paper Leak Bill Proposal

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day indefinite hunger strike late Thursday night after Union Health Minister JP Nadda and Union Minister of State Dr. Jitendra Singh visited him alongside senior leaders of the Apex Body of Leh Ladakh.

The development followed a late-night video address by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who announced that the Union Cabinet will introduce a stringent legislative framework to deal with examination paper leaks and express solidarity with affected candidates.

Wangchuk's Statement and Appeal for Peace

Confirming the conclusion of his fast in a post on X, Wangchuk wrote:

"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. I will explain the conditions in detail in a separate video very soon. Meanwhile I urge you all to stay very vigilant about not allowing violence of any kind anywhere."

Wangchuk added that he accepted juice offered by Union Ministers to conclude the strike, noting that his decision aimed to avoid escalating tensions and prevent any potential violence during ongoing nationwide demonstrations.

Union Government Response

Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated in his video address that the draft law addressing recruitment and entrance exam malpractice is prepared and will be submitted to the Union Cabinet for approval. Union Ministers JP Nadda and Dr. Jitendra Singh held discussions with Wangchuk and representatives of the Apex Body of Leh before the fast was formally broken.

What we can verify

• Sonam Wangchuk formally broke his 26-day hunger strike on the night of July 23–24, 2026, in the presence of Union Ministers JP Nadda and Dr. Jitendra Singh. — The Indian Express
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a late-night video address announcing draft anti-paper leak legislation to be presented to the Union Cabinet. — The Indian Express
• 65 Members of Parliament across political parties had previously signed letters or visited Wangchuk urging an end to the fast. — Sonam Wangchuk / X

What remains unverified

• Specific negotiate terms and legal conditions agreed upon between the Union government and Ladakh leadership remain [unverified] pending Wangchuk's detailed video statement.
• The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) central committee's official reaction to the fast's conclusion remains [unverified] as formal statements are awaited.