Wangchuk ended his fast on July 23 after talks with Union Health Minister JP Nadda and Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Dr Jitendra Singh. Senior leaders of the Leh-Ladakh Apex Body were also present during the meeting. The activist had been on hunger strike since June 28 in support of the CJP-led protest movement. He was earlier admitted to hospital after his health deteriorated during the fast.
In a post on social media, Wangchuk said he had finally ended his hunger strike after 26 days. He also stated that 65 Members of Parliament from different political parties had either met him or written to him urging him to end the fast.
Long Negotiations Led to Decision
Wangchuk indicated that the decision followed extended discussions over several issues. He said the possibility of violence in the country was also taken into consideration before he agreed to end the hunger strike.
#WATCH | Activist Sonam Wangchuk says, “Today, on the 26th day, I would like to share some important news with you. It’s about 12:30 at night. Just a while ago, Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh came here, and the top leaders of the Apex Body of Ladakh also came here.… pic.twitter.com/NRktzrW9oe
— ANI (@ANI) July 24, 2026
The activist said he would later explain the conditions and details surrounding the decision in a separate video. He also appealed to people to remain vigilant and ensure that no form of violence takes place.
Health Concerns During the Hunger Strike
The prolonged fast had raised serious concerns about Wangchuk’s health. He was initially admitted to Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi after his condition worsened. Following a petition by his wife, Gitanjali Angmo, the Delhi High Court directed that Wangchuk be shifted to Medanta Hospital for specialised medical care and continuous monitoring by expert doctors. It was at the Gurugram hospital that Wangchuk later met the Union ministers and ended his fast.
Supporters Welcome End of Hunger Strike
We are relieved and grateful that Sonam sir has ended his hunger strike after 26 days.
— Cockroach is Back (@Cockroachisback) July 23, 2026
Thank you, sir, for your extraordinary courage and sacrifice. By putting your own life on the line, you awakened the conscience of an entire nation. Your life is far too precious to this… pic.twitter.com/XXaubgkEbW
Following the end of Sonam Wangchuk’s 26-day hunger strike, supporters expressed relief and gratitude, praising his courage and sacrifice. In a statement, they said Wangchuk’s decision to put his own life at risk had awakened the conscience of the nation and stressed that his life was too valuable to the country. However, they added that the Cockroach Janta Party’s peaceful protest at Jantar Mantar would continue until Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns.
Protest Movement Remains in Focus
The end of the Sonam Wangchuk hunger strike marks a significant development in the ongoing protest movement. While the fast has ended, Wangchuk’s statements suggest that discussions surrounding the demands and the broader issues raised by protesters are likely to continue.
Further details about the conditions discussed during the negotiations are expected to emerge after Wangchuk provides a more detailed account of the talks.