New Delhi: Activist Sonam Wangchuk is set to be discharged from Medanta Hospital in Gurugram on Monday, days after ending his 26-day hunger strike over the paper leak issue. Wangchuk concluded his fast on July 24 after the Centre accepted his demands, bringing an end to one of the country’s most closely watched protests in recent weeks.
Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda formally marked the end of the hunger strike by offering Wangchuk juice at the hospital. Following his discharge, the activist is expected to resume public engagements before returning to his home in Ladakh.
Rajghat to be first stop after hospital discharge
Before leaving for Ladakh, Wangchuk will visit Rajghat in Delhi to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. The visit carries symbolic significance, as he had also paid homage at Rajghat on June 28 before beginning his indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar in support of students protesting the paper leak issue.
After offering floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi, Wangchuk is expected to depart for Ladakh, bringing his stay in the National Capital Region to a close.
26-day hunger strike and hospitalisation
Wangchuk remained on an indefinite hunger strike for 26 days after joining the protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on June 28. As his health deteriorated, Delhi Police shifted him to Safdarjung Hospital on July 18.
Subsequently, following directions from the Delhi High Court, he was transferred to Medanta Hospital in Gurugram for specialised treatment. He ended his fast on July 24, saying the decision was taken after extensive discussions on several issues and keeping in mind the possibility of unrest in the country.
CJP protest concludes after 36 days
The 36-day protest led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Jantar Mantar officially concluded on Saturday. The agitation, which began on June 20, focused on the paper leak issue and demanded accountability in the examination system.
During the course of the protest, Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned from his post, following which the agitation was called off.
Reacting to the development, Wangchuk posted on X:
“This is a victory of democracy, a victory of direct democracy that emerged directly from the streets. It is a victory of peace, patience and determination. Congratulations to CJP and the country’s Gen Z.”
Return to Ladakh after Rajghat visit
With his discharge from Medanta Hospital, Wangchuk is expected to conclude his visit to Delhi-NCR by paying homage at Rajghat before returning to Ladakh. His month-long protest drew nationwide attention, reignited discussions on examination reforms, and became one of the most prominent public movements over the paper leak issue in recent months.