Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Friday, 24 July 2026, welcomed the decision by Ladakhi activist Sonam Wangchuk to end his hunger strike, crediting the intervention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the presence of senior Union Ministers for bringing the protest to a close.

Context

Sonam Wangchuk, the Ladakhi innovator and environmental activist widely known for his campaigns on regional rights and development, had been on a fast that concluded after late-night assurances were extended by the central government. CM Saini described the development as 'swagat yogya' (welcome), calling it a reflection of the government's sincerity.

The fast ended in the presence of Union Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda and Union Minister Jitendra Singh, both of whom represented the central government at the resolution meeting. Saini noted that their attendance itself signalled the seriousness with which the government approached the matter.

Policy Backdrop

The central government has, since 2019, engaged with Ladakh-related concerns through a series of high-level assurances covering development, autonomy, and legal protections for the region's residents. The pattern of deploying cabinet-level figures to defuse protests has been a recurring feature of this engagement.

CM Saini stated that the government, under PM Modi's leadership, is committed to ensuring an effective legal framework on the subject. He added that a draft will be considered by the Union Cabinet before being placed before Parliament, with the goal of enabling swift action against the guilty, stringent punishment, and an effective judicial mechanism.

Stakeholders and Impact

The stated beneficiaries of the proposed legislation are youth and students, with CM Saini emphasising that the measures are aimed at strengthening their trust in the justice system. The framing positions the legislative effort as a direct response to concerns raised through the protest.

The involvement of two senior Union Ministers — Nadda and Jitendra Singh — at the conclusion of the fast underlines the political weight the government chose to attach to the resolution, signalling that the matter is being treated as a priority at the cabinet level.

What's Next

The immediate next step is a Union Cabinet discussion on a draft legislation, after which the bill is expected to be introduced in Parliament. The government has committed to a framework that ensures rapid judicial action and strict penalties.

Whether the legislative timeline is met and whether the draft addresses the specific concerns that prompted Wangchuk's fast will be closely watched by civil society groups, Ladakh's political representatives, and student organisations across the country.