Sonam Wangchuk ends 25-26 day fast following talks with government

Activist Sonam Wangchuk announced the conclusion of a 25‑26 day hunger strike that had halted the capital for weeks. The fast, which began in early March, had become the focal point of a nationwide protest over alleged leaks in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). The decision to end the fast followed a series of meetings with officials at the Ministry of Education and the Central government.

During the talks held at Vithalbhai Patel House in New Delhi, Wangchuk raised three core concerns: the safety of students, the integrity of examination systems and the right to protest. The government agreed in principle to compensate families affected by the NEET controversy, to withdraw legal action against students, and to bring the Education Minister into account for the alleged leak. Wangchuk described the talks as “going well” and the government as “fulfilling his expectations.”

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis welcomed the decision, saying I am happy that Sonam Wangchuk has called off his fast after discussions with the government. The government is fulfilling his expectations. The discussions are going well. He praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for engaging with Wangchuk and added that the Centre was addressing the concerns raised. Fadnavis also highlighted the anti‑paper‑leak legislation, calling it a law that would see offenders sent to jail immediately and heard in fast‑track courts.

BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said the country and students were relieved after Wangchuk ended his fast, attributing the decision to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s message and the Centre’s assurances. He highlighted steps the government had taken, including the establishment of fast‑track courts, the enactment of an anti‑cheating law, the arrest of those responsible for the paper leak and the conduct of a re‑NEET exam. Poonawalla also condemned what he described as abuse directed at Wangchuk, calling it “extremely unfortunate” and “in very bad taste.”

Congress leader Deepender Singh Hooda criticised Delhi University for issuing an advisory warning students against joining protests at Jantar Mantar. He called the advisory “misleading and threatening” and questioned the university’s interpretation of Supreme Court rulings. Hooda also accused the Centre of using force to suppress students, alleging that Delhi Metro services were halted, internet services suspended, shops in Connaught Place shut, and demonstrators demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan were lathi‑charged.

Opposition MP Bhupesh Baghel echoed Hooda’s concerns, condemning the alleged treatment of students. Baghel demanded the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, compensation for families of students who died by suicide, action against those who attacked protesters and measures to ensure future examinations are conducted without negligence or irregularities. He said the agitation had grown stronger despite the crackdown.

The protest movement, led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), has called for the resignation of the Education Minister as a non‑negotiable demand. CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka said the government had given a positive response during talks and had agreed in principle to two of the group’s three demands: a ₹1 crore compensation package for affected families and protection from legal action against protesters. Ranka added that the request for the minister’s resignation would be conveyed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with another round of talks scheduled for Saturday afternoon.

Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) announced that 18 Metro stations would be closed from 07:30 AM tomorrow as a security measure around the protest. The DMRC later reopened the entry gates at Mandi House and Central Secretariat stations on Friday evening, while entry and exit at 15 other central Delhi stations remained suspended for a third consecutive day. Janpath station stayed closed, with CISF personnel covering its glass entry panels after graffiti appeared near the protest venue. The interchange facility remained available at Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House and Central Secretariat stations.

Delhi Police deployed four facial recognition system (FRS) units around the protest site at Jantar Mantar to identify wanted criminals, absconders and history‑sheeters. The Rapid Action Force (RAF) launched an internal probe into allegations that its personnel used disproportionate force and fired pellet guns during the July 20 “Sansad Chalo” march by students in Delhi. The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) directed the Inspector General of the RAF to verify the sequence of events during the protest, including crowd‑control measures adopted by RAF teams and incidents in which personnel were allegedly attacked.

Delhi Police has constituted a Special Task Force (STF) within its Crime Branch to investigate paper leaks and other examination‑related offences under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024. The STF will probe cases linked to exams conducted by UPSC, SSC, RRBs, IBPS, NTA and other notified authorities, and will coordinate with prosecuting agencies to ensure speedy trials. The Union Cabinet has approved amendments to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, which are likely to be taken up for consideration and passage in Parliament on Monday. The Bombay High Court has designated two special courts in Aurangabad and Nagpur to try offences related to examination malpractices, with trials required to be completed within three months under the Act.

Rumours circulated on social media about a ban on food delivery app services across the New Delhi area were found to be false. A fabricated graphic claiming a Delhi Police Women Head Constable had died during the protest was also debunked as fake. The protest has reached a high‑stakes standoff, with the government and the Cockroach Janta Party scheduled to meet again on Saturday for another round of discussions. The Delhi Police have cancelled all routine leave of its personnel with immediate effect, reflecting the prevailing law‑and‑order situation in the national capital.