New Delhi: What was widely anticipated has finally happened. Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh visited social activist Sonam Wangchuk at the hospital. Wangchuk ended his hunger strike after receiving assurances regarding the students’ demands. The educationist had been fasting for 28 days in support of the protest led by the Apex Body (Leh).
Delhi Police had moved him to Safdarjung Hospital, citing concerns about his health. Instead of weakening the movement, this move actually strengthened it. After ending his fast at Medanta Hospital, Wangchuk shared the update on the social media platform X. The Apex Body has announced a nationwide protest for today.
Sonam Wangchuk Shares the Update
Educationist and social activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his hunger strike on Thursday night in the presence of Union Ministers JP Nadda and Dr Jitendra Singh, along with senior leaders of the Leh-Ladakh Apex Body. Wangchuk shared this information via social media. He wrote on X, “Just now, in the presence of Union Ministers JP Nadda and Dr Jitendra Singh and senior leaders of the Leh-Ladakh ‘Apex Body,’ I ended my hunger strike after 26 days.”
Wangchuk stated that before his fast, 65 Members of Parliament from various political parties had appealed to him either in person or through lettersto call off the fast. He took this step following lengthy discussions regarding various conditions and in view of the potential for violence in the country. He added that he would explain these conditions in detail in a separate video very soon. In the meantime, he urged everyone to remain vigilant and ensure that no violence of any kind occurs anywhere.
PM Modi Had Also Appealed
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also posted a video on Thursday night appealing to Sonam Wangchuk to end his hunger strike. PM Modi stated on X, “I urge Sonam-ji to follow the doctors’ advice regarding his daily routine and regain his previous weight as soon as possible.
Admitted to Medanta following a court order
It is worth noting that Sonam Wangchuk had been observing a continuous hunger strike at Jantar Mantar. However, citing his deteriorating health, the Delhi Police removed him from the site and admitted him to Safdarjung Hospital. Young people strongly protested this action by the police, leading to a massive gathering of students at Jantar Mantar.
Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali Angmo, had petitioned the court to have him transferred to Medanta for medical treatment. During the hearing, the Delhi High Court ordered that Sonam Wangchuk be shifted to Medanta Hospital. The court observed that, given his current health condition, continuous monitoring by specialist doctors was essential.
