Sonam Wangchuk Ends 26-Day Fast After India Promises Student Case Relief, NEET Compensation Review
Updated
Updated · The Hindu · Jul 23
Sonam Wangchuk Ends 26-Day Fast After India Promises Student Case Relief, NEET Compensation Review
3 articles · Updated · The Hindu · Jul 23
Summary
Written government assurances led Sonam Wangchuk to end his 26-day fast in Leh, with two Union ministers present when he broke it late Thursday.
The assurances said cases against students would be withdrawn if they were not involved in violence, and that compensation for NEET aspirants who died by suicide would be considered.
Narendra Modi separately said paper leaks were an "injustice" to millions of students and families, adding that arrests had been made over the NEET scandal.
Delhi High Court named Judge Anu Grover Baliga to a fast-track court for paper-leak and exam-cheating cases, while a Cockroach Janta Party delegation is due to meet ministers on July 24.
Can a Gen Z movement born from memes truly dismantle India's powerful 'paper leak mafias'?
With 90 exam leaks in two decades, is India's national testing agency fundamentally broken beyond repair?
2026 NEET-UG Paper Leak Crisis: Student Protests, Sonam Wangchuk’s Hunger Strike, and the Cockroach Janta Party’s Impact
Overview
The 2026 protest movement in India was sparked by widespread frustration over recurring examination paper leaks, especially the NEET-UG scandal, which led to the cancellation and re-conducting of the exam. Massive nationwide protests followed, with Sonam Wangchuk’s 26-day hunger strike becoming a powerful symbol of the demand for accountability and reform. As his health stabilized after hospitalization, the government responded with public assurances and actions focused on student welfare. Prime Minister Modi acknowledged the seriousness of the issue and emphasized the importance of youth, highlighting the government’s commitment to address the concerns raised by the protesters.