Sonam Wangchuk defends ending hunger strike after 26 days, says do I still need to prove my sincerity?
In a video message posted on social media, Wangchuk said he was disappointed by claims that he had compromised with the government urging people not to view his decision to end the fast through the lens of political speculation.
PTC News Desk: Social activist Sonam Wangchuk on Friday dismissed allegations that he had struck a "deal" with the government to end his 26-day indefinite hunger strike, asking critics whether he still needed to prove his sincerity after fasting for nearly a month over the NEET-UG paper leak and other examination irregularities.
In a video message posted on social media, Wangchuk said he was disappointed by claims that he had compromised with the government. He urged people not to view his decision to end the fast through the lens of political speculation.
"After 26 days of hunger, do I still need to prove my sincerity!!!" Wangchuk wrote while sharing the video on X. He urged people to watch the full 22-minute video available on his YouTube channel before drawing conclusions and help spread his message.
AFTER 26 DAYS OF HUNGER DO I NEED TO PROVE MY SINCERITY !!!
— Sonam Wangchuk (@Wangchuk66) July 24, 2026
Do please watch and help spread the word. Find the full 22 minutes video on my YouTube Channel: Sonam Wangchuk pic.twitter.com/6CO3tjZsSD
Without naming anyone, Wangchuk criticised those accusing him of making a deal with the Centre, saying such allegations overlooked the personal sacrifices he had made during the protest.
His statement came amid criticism on social media after he ended his 26-day hunger strike on Thursday, saying the government had given a positive response to his key demands.
Earlier in the day, Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali Angmo, had appealed to the public not to rush to judge his decision, saying the activist had made immense physical sacrifices for a cause larger than himself.
In an emotional post on X, Angmo revealed that Wangchuk was admitted to the intensive care unit after losing 11 kg, including muscle mass, during the 26-day fast. "Before you rush to criticise @Wangchuk66, first pause to earn the ethos of fasting for 26 days for a cause larger than yourself," she wrote.
"He lies in the ICU today... The least we can offer him is a day of compassion before burdening him with our own expectations and political calculations." She added that not everyone was qualified to judge "a life of selfless service" and urged people to "have a heart".