Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Jul 27: Activist Sonam Wangchuk is set to be discharged from Medanta Hospital on Monday, days after ending his 26-day indefinite hunger strike over the paper leak issue following the Centre's acceptance of his demands.
Wangchuk ended his fast late on July 24 in the presence of Union Health Minister J. P. Nadda, who offered him juice at the hospital to mark the conclusion of the protest.
According to sources, Wangchuk will visit Rajghat immediately after being discharged to pay floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi before returning to Ladakh.
The visit is considered symbolic, as Wangchuk had also paid homage at Rajghat on June 28 before launching his indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar in support of students affected by the paper leak controversy.
Wangchuk joined the protest at Jantar Mantar on June 28 and continued his fast for 26 days. On July 18, Delhi Police shifted him to Safdarjung Hospital after his health deteriorated. Following directions from the Delhi High Court, he was later admitted to Medanta Hospital in Gurugram for specialised treatment.
He announced the end of his fast on July 24, saying the decision was taken after extensive discussions on various conditions and keeping in mind the need to prevent unrest in the country.
Meanwhile, the 36-day protest led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Jantar Mantar concluded on Saturday. The agitation, which began on June 20 over the paper leak issue, was called off after Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned from his post.
Reacting to the developments, Wangchuk posted on X, describing the outcome as "a victory of democracy, a victory of direct democracy that emerged directly from the streets," and congratulated the CJP and the country's Gen Z for their role in the movement.
With his discharge from Medanta Hospital, Wangchuk is expected to conclude his stay in the National Capital Region and return to Ladakh after his visit to Rajghat, bringing to a close a high-profile protest that drew nationwide attention and renewed debate over examination reforms and accountability.