Sonam Wangchuk, leading the CJP protests, addresses criticism over ending his hunger strike while ensuring student safety during negotiations with the government.
Chandigarh, India Jul 25, 2026 ALN: CJP Protest Updates: Activist Sonam Wangchuk on Friday hit back at critics questioning his decision to end his 26-day hunger strike, asking why he needed a "character certificate" for his commitment to the students' movement. His remarks came even as the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) held a second round of talks with the Centre, which has reportedly given written assurances on some of the protesters' key demands.
Union Minister JP Nadda had said that the Centre will hold the third round of talks with the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on Sunday afternoon after discussions within the government on the protesters' demands. Despite Wangchuk ending his indefinite fast shortly after midnight on Thursday, the atmosphere at Jantar Mantar remained charged. The protest site continued to draw large crowds, with people waiting between 50 and 100 minutes in a serpentine queue stretching up to Janpath Metro station on Tolstoy Marg. As reported earlier, delegations of lawyers, farmer unions, NGOs, and groups from neighbouring states arrived throughout the day carrying banners and placards in support of the agitation.
Meanwhile, 18 metro stations in Delhi will remain closed on Saturday as authorities tighten security amid the ongoing protests.
Wangchuk Responds to Criticism
In a video message shared on social media, Wangchuk dismissed allegations that he had compromised with the government by ending his fast. "After 26 days of fasting for the sake of students, losing 11 kilograms of body weight in which I have also lost muscle mass and my organs and brain reached the verge of irreversible damage, and doing all this in the scorching heat of Delhi after coming from the bitter cold of Ladakh, do I have to seek a character certificate from anyone about how sacred my fast was, about whose hands I broke it at, or whether I made a deal or not?... Shame on a country that produces such minds, from which such vile thoughts spring,” he stated.
The educationist and activist reiterated that there was no deal with the government. He said his foremost concern during negotiations was ensuring that students participating in the protests were protected from violence and legal action. He also explained why he did not insist on Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation during the talks, saying preventing cases against protesters was the immediate priority. Wangchuk added that he believed Pradhan would eventually resign.
Why Wangchuk Ended the 26-Day Hunger Strike
Wangchuk said he agreed to end the fast only after the Centre provided written assurances and because he feared an imminent crackdown on protesters. "Last night around midnight, I was told the ministers had agreed to give the assurance in writing. I was in a hurry because the situation in Delhi was such; there was apprehension that a major crackdown could happen. I was watching reports and was reminded of September 24, 2025, when police and CRPF personnel mercilessly fired at the youth of Ladakh. I was afraid something similar could happen here. I felt that if I ended my fast and appealed for peace, perhaps the situation could be diffused," he said.
The activist had been on an indefinite hunger strike since June 28 after joining the CJP-led agitation demanding accountability over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, reforms in the education system, and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
CJP Says Government Responded Positively
Following a second round of discussions with Union ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh, CJP leaders said the Centre had shown "significant in-principle agreement" on several demands while further talks would continue. CJP chief spokesperson Saurav Das said the party placed four key demands before the government, including compensation for families of students who allegedly died by suicide because of the examination system and withdrawal of FIRs against peaceful protesters. Nadda, according to the CJP, told the delegation that another round of discussions would be held.
Why Are People Protesting at the Jantar Mantar?
The protests, led by the Cockroach Janta Party, are centred on allegations of irregularities in the NEET examination, demands for reforms in the examination system, accountability over the alleged paper leak, and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) has been a focal point of contention among students and parents alike, particularly in light of claims regarding the fairness and transparency of the examination process, which is crucial for aspiring medical students across India.
Many students and their families have expressed frustration over the perceived lack of accountability from the government regarding these issues. The pressure on the education system has been exacerbated by the increasing number of students who have reportedly taken their own lives due to the immense stress associated with competitive exams, leading to calls for reform and better support systems for students.
CJP's Key Demands
The demands reflect a broader discontent with the current educational framework and the pressures it places on students. The CJP's protests encapsulate a growing movement among students and activists who are advocating for a more equitable and transparent education system, one that prioritizes the well-being of students over competitive success.
The implications of these protests extend beyond the immediate demands of the CJP. They highlight a significant shift in public sentiment regarding educational policies and the accountability of government officials. As protests continue and discussions with the government progress, the outcomes could set important precedents for how educational reforms are approached in India.
Moreover, the government's response to these protests may have lasting effects on its relationship with the student body and the broader electorate. As students mobilize and voice their grievances, it becomes increasingly crucial for the government to address their concerns in a meaningful way to restore trust and demonstrate a commitment to reform.
The ongoing situation at Jantar Mantar serves as a reminder of the power of collective action and the importance of dialogue between citizens and their representatives. As the CJP continues to advocate for the rights of students, their efforts may inspire similar movements across the country, signaling a growing demand for accountability and reform in various sectors beyond education.
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