Sonam Wangchuk ends 26-day fast after Centre, MPs assure Parliament debate on exam accountability

New Delhi: Sonam Wangchuk on Friday ended his 26-day fast after receiving assurances from the Union government and Members of Parliament across political parties that the issue of accountability in the country's examination system would be taken up in Parliament.

The government also assured that families of students who died by suicide following the recent NEET examination paper leak would receive adequate compensation and that no criminal cases would be registered against students and youths who had participated in peaceful protests.

Announcing his decision in a statement, Wangchuk said he had broken his fast in the presence of Union Ministers J.P. Nadda and Jitendra Singh, along with senior leaders of the Apex Body of Leh Ladakh.

"Just now in the presence of Union Ministers JP Nadda, 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 long negotiations on various conditions and in view of possible violence in the country," Wangchuk said.

He added that he would soon explain the conditions agreed upon during the negotiations.

"I will explain the conditions in detail in a separate video very soon. Meanwhile I urge you all to stay very vigillant about not allowing violence of any kind anywhere," he said.

Wangchuk had been on a fast demanding accountability in the country's examination system in the wake of the NEET paper leak controversy. His protest had drawn support from MPs across party lines, with 65 parliamentarians either visiting him or signing letters requesting him to end his fast.

The end of the fast follows prolonged negotiations between representatives of the government, opposition leaders and Wangchuk's supporters, amid concerns over escalating tensions and the possibility of violence. According to Wangchuk, the assurances on a parliamentary discussion, compensation for affected families and protection of peaceful protesters formed the basis for ending his protest.

Tags : Sonam Wangchuk, Fast, NEET, Protest, Jantar Mantar, Jitendra Singh, JP Nadda