Centre reaches out to Wangchuk; he calls for restraint by police

23 JULY 2026

The Centre moved up a notch its engagement with protesters against the NEET paper leak, with Union Ministers J.P. Nadda and Jitendra Singh meeting activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is on hunger strike.
Mr. Wangchuk responded from hospital with a statement that he was willing to call off the hunger strike if the Centre gave an assurance that no punitive or retaliatory action would be taken against the protesting students.
Mr. Wangchuk’s statement also stated that the Ministers assured him of “a meaningful discussion in Parliament to ensure accountability, including consideration of the resignation of the Education Minister.”