Three PhD students continue indefinite fast at Jantar Mantar after Sonam Wangchuk's hospitalisation
New Delhi: For nearly three weeks, the protest at Jantar Mantar over alleged irregularities in NEET and other entrance exams had been centred around activist Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike. But after Wangchuk was taken to Safdarjung Hospital on Saturday, the spotlight has shifted to three young researchers who continue their water-only fast just a few metres from the stage.
Neha Bora (29), a PhD scholar in Theatre and Performance at Jawaharlal Nehru University; Aameen, a PhD student at Dr B R Ambedkar University Delhi; and Manish Kumar (30), a Political Science PhD scholar at the University of Allahabad, began their hunger strike at the same time as Wangchuk. Despite significant weight loss over three weeks, they say Saturday's events have only strengthened their resolve.
"It was heartbreaking to witness what happened this morning. It is unfortunate that the government chose to act this way," said Neha, referring to Wangchuk's removal from the protest site. "For every day that Wangchuk sir is kept in the hospital, we will remain here. That is our answer to what happened."
Manish added, "We will make them answer for what they did."
The three protesters have lost considerable weight: Manish 10.45 kg, Aameen 9.85 kg, and Neha 7.55 kg. Their vitals are displayed on a banner outside their tent. Volunteers periodically check on them and encourage them to conserve energy.
The protesters allege that electricity to the site has been cut, forcing volunteers to use handheld fans to help the fasting students cope with Delhi's sweltering heat. Police officials could not be reached for comment on these allegations.
Manish questioned the police action on Saturday, citing the Delhi High Court order that directed the government to monitor Wangchuk's health. "The court order they cited nowhere says that we have to be removed from here. They are interpreting it incorrectly. We are not going anywhere," he said. A native of Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Manish completed his Bachelor's and Master's in Political Science before enrolling for his PhD.
Neha, from Uttarakhand, earned her Bachelor's at the University of Delhi and a Master's in Performance Studies at Dr B R Ambedkar University Delhi. She is now pursuing a PhD at JNU and also serves as the All India President of the All India Students' Association. She recalled waking up to chaos on Saturday. "I was asleep. Manish and another friend were trying to wake me up when we saw Sonam being taken away under a shield made of white bedsheets," she said.
She claimed police later tried to enter the enclosure where the three scholars were lying. "They were pushing and trying to break our tent. They were also trying to get past the ropes around us, but people immediately formed a human chain around us and they could not succeed," she alleged. No response from Delhi Police was available on this.
Like Manish, Neha questioned the police's interpretation of the High Court order. Around four to five doctors examine the fasting students daily, including one deputed by the government and others arranged by the protesters. Family members have also been present.
The protest, called by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), continues with supporters gathering at Jantar Mantar. The three PhD students say they will not leave until their demands are met.
