Sonam Wangchuk's Health Worsens on Day 17 of Hunger Strike; Eminent Citizens Appeal to End Fast
New Delhi, July 14: Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk's health has deteriorated as his indefinite hunger strike entered its 17th day on Tuesday. According to a post on X by Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijit Dipke, Wangchuk has begun losing muscle mass and is experiencing severe pain.
Dipke stated that he and others pleaded with Wangchuk to end his fast, but the activist responded by saying, "Don't ask me to end my fast. Ask the govt why they won't even have a dialogue."
The CJP reported that Wangchuk had lost 8.25 kg as of Monday. Medical parameters on Tuesday showed a blood pressure of 107/70 mmHg and a blood glucose level of 67 mg/dL.
A group of eminent citizens, including writer Arundhati Roy, actors Naseeruddin Shah and Ratna Pathak Shah, and economist Jayati Ghosh, issued a joint statement on Monday appealing to protesters on indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar to call off their fast. While extending full support to the demand for Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation, they expressed deep concern over the protesters' worsening health.
The signatories said, "We salute your sense of purpose, the determination and courage with which you are spearheading this movement... We request you to please consider ending this hunger strike immediately in the interests of the longer and more difficult struggle ahead." They warned that the government's alleged failure to respond could further jeopardise the health of those on strike.
The appeal came on the 24th day of the CJP's protest at Jantar Mantar and the 16th day of Wangchuk's indefinite fast. Separately, AISA activist Deepak, who had been on hunger strike since June 28, was admitted to RML Hospital on Monday after his health deteriorated.
The statement also urged Delhi residents to participate in the CJP's proposed march to Parliament on July 20, coinciding with the start of the monsoon session.
The CJP has been protesting demanding Minister Pradhan's resignation over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination. Wangchuk joined the agitation on June 28 and has been on an indefinite fast since. The organisation has announced a march to Parliament on July 20.
