Day 16 of Protest Over Exam Irregularities: Activist Wangchuk Loses 6 kg on Hunger Strike
A protest demanding accountability over alleged examination irregularities and the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan entered its 16th day on Sunday (July 5) at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who joined an indefinite hunger strike eight days ago, has lost about six kilograms, according to a health bulletin.
The bulletin, issued by doctors, recorded Mr. Wangchuk's blood pressure at 112/70 mm Hg (lying down), heart rate at 72 beats per minute, and blood sugar at 67 mg/dL. It stated that his hydration is fair, he remains mentally alert, and his weight has dropped to 60.95 kg, reflecting a loss of around six kilograms over seven days.
The protesting group continued to press for Mr. Pradhan's resignation, alleging that repeated examination irregularities and paper leaks have severely impacted students and their families. In a post on X, group founder Abhijeet Dipke said that the parents of NEET aspirant Riya Kumari Thapa—who, the group claims, died after an alleged paper leak shattered her dreams—visited the protest site on July 5. Mr. Dipke stated that Thapa's father, an Army veteran, joined the protest, appealing that no other family should suffer such a loss, and urged the central government to prevent such incidents.
The National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) for medical colleges, held on May 3, was cancelled amid allegations of a paper leak. A re-test was conducted on June 21.
The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), which had earlier extended support to the agitation, is scheduled to send a delegation to Jantar Mantar on July 7. The farmers' body expressed solidarity with the students and youngsters, stating that every student has the right to a transparent, fair, and credible examination system, and that ensuring accountability is the government's responsibility.
Several members of the Left-affiliated All India Students' Association (AISA) continued their indefinite hunger strike on a separate stage at the site. Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU) joint secretary Danish Ali was admitted to Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital on July 4 after her blood sugar level dropped to 46 mg/dL on the seventh day of the strike. Others—Neha, Manish, Hrishikesh, Deepak Kumar Verma, and Aameen—continued their indefinite fast at the protest site.
The protest began on June 20 over alleged irregularities in the country's examination system and has since drawn support from several political leaders, activists, and civil society members.
