New Delhi, July 24: Sonam Wangchuk has ended his hunger strike, but the protests he helped ignite are not slowing down. Today, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) is holding nationwide demonstrations, with students, activists, and supporters gathering in cities and districts across India to demand accountability over the NEET paper leak controversy and push for broader education reforms.
Wangchuk Ends His Fast
Wangchuk called off his 26-day hunger strike late Thursday night after meeting Union Ministers J.P. Nadda and Jitendra Singh. He said he decided after the Centre assured him that key issues raised by the protest, including exam reforms, would be addressed through Parliament and continued dialogue. He also noted that several Members of Parliament had personally appealed to him to end the fast, citing concerns for his health.
After breaking his fast, Wangchuk thanked those who had supported him throughout the protest. He urged everyone to stay peaceful and to keep pursuing the movement’s goals through democratic means. He also said he was concerned the situation could turn violent if tensions continued to escalate.
CJP Presses Ahead With Its Protest
Wangchuk’s decision to end his fast has not slowed the CJP’s plans. The party is going ahead with its nationwide demonstrations as scheduled, under the banner “Every District. One Day. One Demand.” Protesters are raising three core demands: accountability for the alleged exam paper leaks, justice for affected students, and meaningful reform of India’s examination system.
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke said Wangchuk’s decision was about protecting his health, not about ending the movement. He made clear the CJP’s protest will continue, and the party is still calling for Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to resign, along with greater transparency in how exams are conducted.
Security Tightened in Delhi
With demonstrations underway nationwide, security has been increased in Delhi and several other cities. Additional police have been deployed at sensitive locations to keep today’s protests peaceful. Another round of talks between the Centre and CJP representatives is also expected, as both sides look for a way forward.
What Happens Next
Today’s protests mark a new phase in the movement rather than its end. Wangchuk’s fast may be over, but the push for education reform and accountability is continuing to build momentum.
The government’s assurances have eased some tension, but many protesters say they will keep demonstrating until they see concrete action. With nationwide protests underway and further talks expected between the Centre and CJP, the key question now is whether the government will follow through on its promises.
