Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Jul 24: Activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike late Thursday night, July 23, at Medanta Hospital in Gurgaon.

Announcing the decision on X, Wangchuk said the fast was called off after prolonged negotiations with the government and in view of concerns over possible violence.

"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. Meanwhile, I urge you all to stay very vigilant about not allowing violence of any kind anywhere," he said.

Wangchuk, who had been on an indefinite hunger strike over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak and the government's handling of the issue, ended his fast shortly after midnight at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram in the presence of union ministers J P Nadda and Jitendra Singh.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said the Centre will take further action against paper leak cases, including introducing a fast-track court mechanism. In a video statement, he said those responsible have been arrested and that the government prioritised conducting fresh exams for around 22 lac students to prevent academic loss. He added that a proposal for fast-track courts will be discussed by the Union Cabinet on Friday and a bill will be introduced in Parliament next week for early passage.