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New Delhi: Activist Sonam Wangchuk has explained why his 26-day hunger strike continued for two additional days before he finally ended it. According to Wangchuk, the delay was caused by negotiations with the Centre, as he insisted that the government’s promises should be provided in writing rather than verbally.

Sharing a video message after ending his fast, Wangchuk said discussions with government representatives continued for two days before written assurances were handed over. He said this was the main reason he remained on hunger strike longer than expected.

Wangchuk said Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh met him shortly before he ended the fast. He also said around 65 Members of Parliament from different political parties had earlier appealed to him to end the protest after assuring him that issues related to the NEET paper leak and the examination system would be discussed in Parliament.

However, Wangchuk said he wanted those commitments in writing.

“I needed an assurance, and I needed it in writing. This took two days, and that’s why I had to sit on the fast for two more days, and I could have sat for even longer.”

#WATCH | Activist Sonam Wangchuk says, “Today, on the 26th day, I would like to share some important news with you. It’s about 12:30 at night. Just a while ago, Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh came here, and the top leaders of the Apex Body of Ladakh also came here.… pic.twitter.com/NRktzrW9oe

— ANI (@ANI) July 24, 2026

The activist said the government finally submitted written commitments, following which he decided to end his hunger strike.

According to Wangchuk, the written assurances covered three key issues. The first was that no FIRs or legal action would be taken against students and young people who peacefully protested at Jantar Mantar or participated in the July 20 ‘Sansad Chalo’ march.

The second assurance was that families of more than 20 students who died in connection with the alleged paper leak controversy would receive appropriate compensation.

The third commitment was that Parliament would hold a detailed discussion on examination reforms and accountability to prevent similar incidents in future.

Wangchuk also addressed the demand for Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation. He said the government did not provide any assurance on that issue.

“Firstly, on this matter, they were not able to give me any assurance right now about when this would happen.”

Despite not receiving a commitment on the minister’s resignation, Wangchuk said protecting students and securing written assurances on the other issues was more important.

He explained that continuing the fast for several more weeks could have put his life at risk, while many supporters had urged him to remain alive and continue the movement. Wangchuk said he believed meaningful progress had been achieved through the written commitments, making it the right time to end his 26-day hunger strike.