Day 21 of CJP Protest: Sonam Wangchuk on Hunger Strike Says Health Stable, Warns Against Removal

Climate activist and educator Sonam Wangchuk, on the 13th day of his indefinite fast, said his hunger had “stabilised” and that any attempt to remove him from the protest site would violate his constitutional rights. He is fasting in support of the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) agitation at Jantar Mantar, which entered its 21st day on Thursday.

The CJP has been demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and government accountability over alleged examination irregularities. Wangchuk joined the protest on June 28 and began his indefinite fast the same day.

“Today is the 13th day (of the fast). I am feeling okay. My hunger has stabilised. The initial days are difficult as the body adjusts to fasting. There is some tiredness, but otherwise I am fine,” Wangchuk told reporters.

He acknowledged losing muscle and fat but said he still felt energetic. “I have lost muscle along with fat. My bones are beginning to show, but I still feel energetic,” he said.

Responding to questions about possible administrative intervention if his health deteriorated, Wangchuk said he was at the site voluntarily and no threat to his life existed. “I don’t know why they should try to remove me. I am here willingly and there is no threat to my life. If they remove me, it will be a violation of our rights,” he said.

He emphasised the peaceful nature of the protest and the right to assemble under Article 19 of the Constitution. “We are holding a peaceful protest. The country and the world are watching the state of our democracy. This is not a favour. It is our right. We have the right to hold a peaceful protest under Article 19, and I hope that right continues to be respected,” he added.

Wangchuk said his fast also aimed to press for an early resolution of issues concerning Ladakh, which he said had progressed through talks. “The Monsoon Session is a very good time to finalise it,” he said.

Referring to student suicides allegedly linked to the NEET-UG cancellation in May, Wangchuk said the protest sought to prevent such incidents. “As you know, 20 students have committed suicide. It should not happen that next year the number rises to 40 or 80. We are sitting here to prevent such situations,” he said.

He suggested that accepting Pradhan’s resignation before the Monsoon Session could help the government regain youth confidence. “If they accept the education minister’s resignation, they may become popular among the youth again. Right now, there is a lot of anger among young people, which will harm them politically. They should do it for their own benefit before Parliament meets. If they don’t, we will do whatever else we have to do,” he said.

CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka provided updates on Wangchuk’s health, stating he had lost approximately 7.5 kg since the fast began and that his blood sugar levels remained consistently low. “As the days go by, his energy is decreasing. He has considerable weakness while walking and finds it difficult to speak. It is a deteriorating situation. Our medical team is closely monitoring him, and we hope the government will listen to us soon,” Ranka said.

Ranka reiterated the CJP’s demands—the resignation of Pradhan and compensation of Rs 1 crore for the families of students who died by suicide. He said the government had not initiated any dialogue and that the CJP would proceed with a proposed march to Parliament on July 20 if there was no response.

The CJP protest began on June 20 over alleged examination irregularities. Wangchuk joined on June 28 and has remained on indefinite fast since then.