Sonam Wangchuk Continues Fast as Health Concerns Deepen
New Delhi, July 17: Educator and environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk said he intends to remain alive until July 20 so he can participate in a planned march to Parliament, as his indefinite hunger strike entered its 20th day at Jantar Mantar.
Addressing supporters on Friday, Wangchuk acknowledged that the prolonged fast had weakened him physically but said his determination remained firm. He appealed for a large public turnout at the proposed march, describing it as an opportunity to present the protesters’ demands before Parliament.
Wangchuk also used humour while discussing his condition, telling the gathering that he would somehow remain alive until the march and joking that he would return as a ghost if the mobilisation failed. His remarks drew cheers from supporters gathered at the protest site.
The activist began his hunger strike on June 28 in solidarity with the Cockroach Janta Party, or CJP, which launched its protest on June 20. The movement has raised allegations of irregularities in national examinations and is demanding accountability from the Union government.
Among the CJP’s principal demands are the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and compensation of ₹1 crore for the families of students whom the group says died by suicide in connection with examination-related distress. These remain demands made by the protest organisers and have not been accepted by the government.
Wangchuk has rejected repeated appeals to end the hunger strike. In an earlier video message, he said withdrawing without any assurance or response from the government would weaken the protest’s message. He instead asked supporters to focus on making the July 20 march successful.
Concern over his health has increased steadily. Doctors attending to him warned that the prolonged deprivation had entered a critical phase and could lead to serious complications, including possible organ damage, if the fast continued. Medical updates reported substantial weight loss and falling blood pressure during the earlier days of the protest.
The Delhi High Court has directed authorities to conduct daily monitoring of Wangchuk’s condition and provide treatment if medical professionals determine that intervention is required. The court’s direction came after a petition sought steps to protect his life amid fears that his health could deteriorate rapidly.
Other protesters are also facing health difficulties. The All India Students’ Association said three of its members undertaking a separate indefinite fast at the same protest venue had reached severe medical stages. The organisation reported dehydration risks, dangerously low blood sugar in one protester and significant weight loss in another. These details were provided by AISA and were not independently verified.
Political leaders, lawyers and public figures have urged Wangchuk to reconsider his fast. Congress leader Pawan Khera said putting one’s life at risk may not produce the desired outcome, while Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah appealed to the Centre to address the situation from a humanitarian perspective. The Supreme Court Bar Association has also requested Wangchuk to end the protest.
The July 20 march is scheduled to coincide with the opening of Parliament’s Monsoon Session. Protest organisers say the mobilisation will remain peaceful and will focus on examination reforms, government accountability and relief for affected students and families.
As the fast continues, attention is now centred on Wangchuk’s medical condition, the authorities’ response and whether the planned Parliament march will lead to formal engagement between the government and the protesters.
