Archive · 25 Jul 2026
Wangchuk Ends Strike Fearful of Crackdown
Sonam Wangchuk, a climate activist, ended his 26-day hunger strike because he was worried that the government might crack down on protesters.
He wanted to make sure that students who were protesting would not get into trouble or be hurt.
Some people criticized him for ending his strike, but Wangchuk said he did it to keep everyone safe.
He also said that he was treated badly while he was in the hospital and that he was not allowed to have his phone or talk to visitors.
Wangchuk's main goal was to protect the students, not to get the Education Minister to resign.
He ended his strike after the government gave him a written promise not to punish peaceful protesters and to talk about making exams fairer.
Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike fearing a crackdown on protesters.
He wanted to prevent violence and protect students from legal action.
Wangchuk clarified that he did not seek the Education Minister's resignation during negotiations.
He alleged being treated like a prisoner during his hospital stay.
The government provided a written assurance not to pursue cases against peaceful protesters.
- Who
- Sonam Wangchuk, Climate activist
- What
- Ended his 26-day hunger strike fearing a crackdown on protesters
- When
- Intervening night of Thursday and Friday
- Where
- Delhi
- Why
- To prevent violence and protect students from legal action
Critics of Wangchuk's Decision
Wangchuk's Perspective
Reason for Ending Strike
Critics of Wangchuk's Decision
Critics believe Wangchuk ended his strike due to a deal with the government.
Wangchuk's Perspective
Wangchuk ended his strike fearing a crackdown on protesters and to prevent violence.
Treatment During Strike
Critics of Wangchuk's Decision
Critics question Wangchuk's decision to end his strike in the presence of Union Ministers.
Wangchuk's Perspective
Wangchuk claims he was treated like a prisoner and was denied basic freedoms during his hospital stay.
Primary Concern
Critics of Wangchuk's Decision
Critics suggest Wangchuk's primary concern was the resignation of the Education Minister.
Wangchuk's Perspective
Wangchuk's primary concern was protecting students from legal action and violence.
- Duration of Strike
- 26 days
- Date of Strike End
- Intervening night of Thursday and Friday
- Primary Goal
- Protect students from legal action and violence
- Written Assurance
- No cases against peaceful protesters, parliamentary discussion on examination reforms, consideration of compensation for affected families
- Criticism
- Wangchuk ending strike due to a deal with the government
- Treatment During Strike
- Denied free movement, not allowed to meet visitors, not allowed to keep a mobile phone or laptop
- Hospital Shift
- Shifted from Safdarjung Hospital to Medanta Hospital on July 21
- Initial Protest Site
- Jantar Mantar
Sources
Wangchuk alleges harassment before shift to Medanta
Where is Sonam Wangchuk? As criticism videos surface, activist says ‘no character certificate needed’
'If I die of stress...': Wangchuk alleges harassment at Safdarjung; hospital denies, claims video 'purportedly recorded'
'Felt Like North Korea': Sonam Wangchuk Says He Was Treated Like 'Prisoner' In Safdarjung Hospital
'Felt Like Being In North Korea': Sonam Wangchuk On Admission To Hospital
'Not Cockroach, He's Chameleon': Sonam Wangchuk’s Heated Exchange At Safdarjung Hospital During Hunger Strike Goes Viral; Internet Divided - WATCH
'Video Was Recorded Before We Received The High Court's Written Order': Safdarjung Clarifies After Purported Sonam Wangchuk Hospital Video Goes Viral
Wangchuk clarifies ‘no deal with Centre’, ended strike fearing Ladakh-like crackdown after critics slam
Wangchuk says he ended fast fearing ‘Ladakh-like’ crackdown, denies deal with Centre
"Arrest Me": Video Shows Sonam Wangchuk's Heated Argument At Safdarjung, Hospital Responds
Wangchuk alleges harassment at Safdarjung before shift to Medanta; hospital clarifies
