Wangchuk to End Fast if Parliament Raises Education Accountability Issue: Wife
Activist Sonam Wangchuk will end his indefinite hunger strike if political leaders meet him at Safdarjung Hospital and assure him that the issue of education accountability will be raised during the Monsoon Session of Parliament, which begins Monday, his wife Gitanjali Angmo said on Sunday.
Speaking at the Jantar Mantar protest site, where the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has been leading a movement against an alleged NEET paper leak and seeking education reforms, Ms. Angmo conveyed Mr. Wangchuk's message: if leaders commit to raising the matter in Parliament, he will call off his fast.
Ms. Angmo also urged supporters to maintain peace and discipline during the proposed 'Chalo Sansad' march on Monday. 'Sonam has requested all of us to take out tomorrow's march peacefully and ensure that the protest is not misused,' she said.
On Saturday, Delhi Police admitted Mr. Wangchuk to Safdarjung Hospital after three weeks of fasting at the Jantar Mantar protest site. According to Ms. Angmo and the CJP, Mr. Wangchuk is continuing his fast at the hospital and refusing intravenous fluids.
Hospital authorities reported that Mr. Wangchuk's vital parameters are stable, but he requires round-the-clock monitoring due to the effects of prolonged fasting. A health bulletin issued by VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital stated that his blood parameters have shown marginal improvement, and a multidisciplinary team from Safdarjung and Delhi AIIMS is supervising his care.
Despite the fast, Mr. Wangchuk remains alert, according to medical superintendent Charu Lamba. However, she noted that some laboratory parameters are slightly abnormal and require further investigation.
The CJP and Mr. Wangchuk have been demanding accountability for the alleged NEET paper leak, action against those responsible, and broader reforms in the education system. The Monsoon Session of Parliament, starting July 19, will continue until August 13.
The agitation has received support from several opposition leaders and student organizations, while the Delhi High Court has been monitoring Mr. Wangchuk's medical care.
