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Activist Sonam Wangchuk on Friday lashed out at critics questioning his decision to end his 26-day hunger strike, saying he did not need a “character certificate” to prove his commitment to the students’ movement. His remarks came as the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) held a second round of talks with the Centre, which has reportedly given written assurances on several key demands.

Union Minister JP Nadda has said the government will hold a third round of discussions with the CJP on Sunday after internal consultations on the protesters’ demands.

‘There was no deal’

In a video message posted on social media, Wangchuk rejected allegations that he had compromised with the government by ending his indefinite fast.

“After 26 days of fasting for the sake of students, losing 11 kilograms, including muscle mass, and bringing my organs and brain to the verge of irreversible damage… do I have to seek a character certificate from anyone about how sacred my fast was, whose hands I broke it with, or whether I made a deal? Shame on a country that produces such minds,” he said.

The educationist insisted there was no agreement with the government behind his decision. He said his foremost concern during negotiations was protecting student protesters from violence and ensuring they were not booked in criminal cases.

Explaining why he did not press for Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation during the talks, Wangchuk said preventing a crackdown on protesters was the immediate priority. He added that he believed Pradhan would eventually resign.

Why he ended the fast

Wangchuk said he agreed to call off his hunger strike only after receiving written assurances from the Centre and because he feared an imminent police crackdown.

He said the tense situation in Delhi reminded him of the September 2025 police action in Ladakh, and he hoped ending his fast and appealing for peace would help prevent similar violence.

The activist had been on an indefinite fast since June 28 after joining the CJP-led agitation demanding accountability for alleged examination irregularities, reforms in the education system and the resignation of the education minister.

Protest continues despite end of fast

Although Wangchuk ended his fast shortly after midnight on Thursday, the protest at Jantar Mantar continued to draw massive crowds. Supporters queued for up to 100 minutes, with lines stretching towards Janpath Metro station. Lawyers, farmer organisations, NGOs and groups from neighbouring states also joined the demonstrations carrying banners and placards.

Authorities have meanwhile announced that 18 Delhi Metro stations will remain closed on Saturday as security is tightened.

Centre-CJP talks show progress

Following the second round of talks with Union ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh, CJP leaders said the government had shown “significant in-principle agreement” on several demands.

CJP chief spokesperson Saurav Das said the delegation sought compensation for families of students who allegedly died by suicide due to examination-related issues and demanded withdrawal of FIRs against peaceful protesters. According to the party, the Centre has agreed to continue discussions, with the next round scheduled for Sunday.

CJP’s key demands

• Resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
• ₹1 crore compensation for families of NEET aspirants who allegedly died by suicide.
• Withdrawal of FIRs and no prosecution of peaceful protesters.
• Action against police personnel accused of excesses during the protests.