NEET Leak Protester Ends Fast as Parliament Promises Probe and Compensation

Social activist Sonam Wangchuk concluded her 26‑day hunger strike on July 24, releasing a video that declared, “Hunger strike over, accountability begins!”

In the statement, Wangchuk highlighted that she terminated the protest in the presence of Union Minister J.P. Nadda, Dr. Jitendra Singh, and senior leaders of the Ladakh administration. She pointed out that 65 MPs from different parties had met her or written to her, urging an end to the fast and assuring a discussion in Parliament on the NEET paper leak and the larger shortcomings of India’s examination framework.

She explained that while the government gave oral assurances, a written commitment was essential. Drafting the document required two additional days, resulting in an extra two‑day extension of her fast before the official letter arrived.

The written assurance includes a promise that Parliament will deliberate on the accountability of the deteriorating exam system, that families of students who took their lives after the NEET leak will receive appropriate compensation, and that no legal proceedings will be initiated against peaceful student protesters.

Wangchuk began the hunger strike on June 28 under the banner of the Cockroach Public Party (CJP) to protest the NEET paper leak. Following a health setback, she was first admitted to Safdarjung Hospital and later transferred to Medanta Hospital after the Delhi High Court intervened.