Sonam Wangchuk's Health Declines as Hunger Strike Enters Day 16; Political Support for Protest Grows
Climate activist and education reform advocate Sonam Wangchuk has reportedly lost 8.2 kilograms since beginning his indefinite hunger strike at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, with organisers claiming that his health continues to deteriorate as the protest enters its sixteenth day.
According to an update shared by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), Wangchuk's blood glucose level has dropped to 67 mg/dL, while his blood pressure was recorded at 107/70 mm Hg. The organisation urged the Union government to respond to the protesters' demands, warning that the prolonged fast was taking a serious toll on his health.
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke appealed to the Centre to engage with the protesters instead of allowing the situation to escalate. In a post on X, he said, "Day 16 of Wangchuk's hunger strike. I request the government not to turn this into a battle of egos as human lives are at stake here."
He further added, "Acknowledging a mistake is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign of maturity, accountability, and the willingness to correct course. All we are asking for is accountability."
The protest, which began on June 20, centres on allegations of examination irregularities and demands greater transparency in the education system. Wangchuk joined the agitation on June 28 and has remained on an indefinite fast since then.
Support for the movement continued to expand on Monday as a delegation from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), led by former Delhi Chief Minister Atishi, visited the protest site and expressed solidarity with the demonstrators. Leaders from the Communist Party of India (Marxist) also extended support and endorsed a proposed peaceful march from Jantar Mantar to Parliament on July 20, coinciding with the start of the Monsoon Session.
Meanwhile, members of the All India Students' Association (AISA), affiliated with CPI(ML) Liberation, continued their own indefinite hunger strike at the protest venue. The student organisation claimed that the health of its fasting members had also worsened but maintained that the agitation would continue until their demands were addressed.
The protesters are seeking the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and have also demanded ₹1 crore compensation for the families of students who allegedly died by suicide over alleged examination irregularities.
As concerns over Wangchuk's health intensify, organisers have reiterated their appeal for dialogue, while preparations continue for the planned march to Parliament later this month.
