Gitanjali Angmo, wife of activist Sonam Wangchuk, has appealed to the public not to criticise him for ending his 26-day hunger strike, saying he deserves empathy after risking his health for a cause larger than himself.
Her appeal came hours after Wangchuk broke his fast shortly after midnight on Thursday in the presence of Union ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh, a move the Centre said could pave the way for dialogue over the ongoing protests against alleged examination paper leaks.
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Why did Sonam Wangchuk’s wife urge compassion?
In a post on X, Angmo said people should not rush to judge Wangchuk without recognising the physical sacrifice he had made.
“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.
Before you rush to criticise @Wangchuk66, first pause to earn the ethos of fasting for 26 days for a cause larger than yourself.
— Gitanjali J Angmo (@GitanjaliAngmo) July 24, 2026
He lies in the ICU today, having lost 11 kg, including muscle mass, because he chose sacrifice over comfort. The least we can offer him is a day of…
Highlighting the toll the fast had taken, she added that Wangchuk was in the ICU after losing 11 kg, including muscle mass.
“The least we can offer him is a day of compassion before burdening him with our own expectations and political calculations,” Angmo said.
She concluded her appeal by urging people to show empathy, writing: “Please… Have a heart.”
What led to Sonam Wangchuk ending his fast?
In a statement posted on X, Wangchuk said he decided to end his indefinite fast to prevent the possibility of violence in the country. He also said the decision followed the government’s written assurance and support from 65 Opposition MPs that the issue of accountability in the examination system would be discussed in Parliament.
Just now in the presence of Union Ministers Sh. JP Nadda, Dr. Jitendra Singh and the senior leaders of Apex Body of Leh Ladakh I finally broke my fast after 26 days. Earlier 65 members of parliament from different political parties had visited or signed letters urging me to break… pic.twitter.com/RFCet7Oksy
— Sonam Wangchuk (@Wangchuk66) July 23, 2026
Angmo played a key role in persuading Wangchuk to end the fast. She acted as an intermediary between the government and Wangchuk and supported ending the protest through dialogue rather than extending the agitation with additional conditions.
Though CJP convener Abhijeet Dipke welcomed Wangchuk’s choice, he said that the protest seeking Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation will continue.
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Two prominent BJP members also hailed Wangchuk’s decision to engage in dialogue as a constructive move.
Earlier, Angmo had criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, alleging that the Opposition was attempting to use Wangchuk’s movement for political purposes.
FAQs
Why did Sonam Wangchuk call off his 26-day hunger strike?
According to Wangchuk, he called off the fast to avoid any violent situation and due to the written promise that the examination system will be discussed in Parliament.
What did Sonam Wangchuk’s wife have to say when he called off his fast?
His wife Gitanjali Angmo told everyone not to blame him as he has made sacrifices for a noble cause.
