"Govt Assures No Action Against Protesters: Sonam Wangchuk Breaks Fast, PM Modi Wishes Speedy Recovery".

THE REPORT.

New Delhi: Climate activist and educationist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike late Thursday night after receiving assurances from the Central government on key demands related to the NEET-UG paper leak protests.

HOW THE FAST ENDED:

Wangchuk broke his fast at Medanta Hospital, Gurugram in the presence of Union Health Minister JP Nadda and Union Minister Jitendra Singh. He announced it on X, saying it was done after "long negotiations on various conditions and in view of possible violence in the country". Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the decision on X, wishing him a speedy recovery and urging him to follow medical advice. 

GOVT ASSURANCES:

According to ministers, the Centre gave 3 key assurances:

No legal action would be taken against peaceful protesters at Jantar Mantar or participants in the July 20 'Sansad Chalo' march

Parliamentary discussion on the alleged paper leak and examination reforms

Considering compensation for families of NEET aspirants who allegedly died by suicide .

Wangchuk had begun his indefinite hunger strike on June 28 in support of student protesters demanding accountability over the NEET-UG paper leak, reforms to the examination system and resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. He lost around 11 kg during the fast. 

CJP PROTEST WILL CONTINUE:

Despite Wangchuk ending his fast, the Cockroach Janta Party - CJP* said its agitation will continue until Dharmendra Pradhan resigns. 16e5

CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke thanked Wangchuk for his "extraordinary courage and sacrifice", saying "Your life is far too precious to this country". CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka said: "We want to make it very clear that this protest at Jantar Mantar will continue until Dharmendra Pradhan resigns". 

CJP has also called for nationwide protests on Friday in solidarity with students who faced police action. 

CELEBRITY SUPPORT:

Actor Prakash Raj had earlier visited Wangchuk at Jantar Mantar and posted in "solidarity with the youngsters of my country". Other celebrities including Zeenat Aman, Naseeruddin Shah, Ratna Pathak Shah, Omi Vaidya and Abhay Deol* also voiced support for Wangchuk and the CJP protest. 

WHAT'S NEXT:

The government and CJP are likely to hold talks today at the Constitution Club of India in New Delhi. Reuters reported that the government has asked for time until Saturday afternoon to respond on the demand for the education minister's resignation. 

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