Sonam Wangchuk ends hunger strike after 26 days after receiving written assurance from central government

Renowned social activist and educationist Sonam Wangchuk, who is on a campaign to reform India's education system and demand a fair trial in the exam question paper leak case, has broken her 26-day-long hunger strike. She took the decision to get a written commitment from the Centre to accept the demands of the hunger strikers and to avoid possible violence in the country.

She formally broke her fast on Thursday night at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram, Haryana, in the presence of several Union ministers. Top leaders of the Leh-Ladakh Apex Body were also present at the event. The 59-year-old social activist has lost about 11 kg due to the prolonged fast. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Wangchuk in a message to follow the doctor's advice and get well soon.

Before breaking the fast, a clear and written outline of the protesters was read out by the government. It mentioned that no legal case would be filed against the protesters who recently protested at Delhi's Jantar Mantar and participated in the march towards Parliament. At the same time, compensation has been promised to the families of students who lost their lives due to the question paper leak, the removal of the Education Secretary and the formation of a fast track court for speedy trial.

The education-based movement in India has taken a new turn with the withdrawal of the hunger strike by this educationist, known as the main inspiration for the character 'Phunsuk Wangdu' in the famous Bollywood film '3 Idiots'. After breaking the hunger strike, Wangchuk, who has been involved in a prolonged movement since June 28 in association with the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), gave a message to the countrymen to be vocal in achieving their demands peacefully, avoiding any kind of violence.