Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike enters 20th day, vows to continue until July 20 Parliament march
Educator and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk on Friday asserted his determination to continue his indefinite hunger strike until July 20, despite doctors warning that his condition has become critical. The fast, now in its 20th day, is part of a larger protest by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) over alleged examination irregularities.
Addressing supporters at Jantar Mantar, Wangchuk acknowledged his weakening physical state but stated, 'I am weak from the outside but very strong inside. We need this energy for July 20, when we will take out a peaceful march to Parliament.' He added in a lighter vein, 'I will stay alive till July 20 at any cost. If you don't come and July 20 is not successful, I will come back as a ghost.'
Doctors attending to Wangchuk had warned on Thursday that his prolonged fast had reached a critical stage, with potential for organ damage if continued. However, Wangchuk refused to end the fast, stating that doing so without government response would send the wrong message. He urged supporters to ensure a massive turnout for the planned march to Parliament on July 20, the opening day of the Monsoon Session.
The Delhi High Court has directed authorities to monitor Wangchuk's health daily and provide medical assistance if his condition deteriorates.
Meanwhile, the All India Students' Association (AISA), affiliated with CPI(ML) Liberation, reported that three of its members—Neha, Manish, and Aameen—on separate hunger strikes at the protest site have reached severe stages. AISA stated that Aameen is at risk of hypovolemic shock, Neha's blood sugar level has fallen to 49 mg/dL, and Manish has lost over 10% of his body weight. The students remain determined to continue their fast in solidarity with Wangchuk until the government addresses their demands.
The CJP has demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and ₹1 crore compensation for families of students who allegedly died by suicide due to examination irregularities. The protest began on June 20, with Wangchuk joining on June 28 and commencing his hunger strike the same day.
