Educator and activist Sonam Wangchuk on Friday said he would “stay alive till July 20 at any cost” as his indefinite hunger strike entered its 20th day at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. Despite concerns over his deteriorating health, Wangchuk reiterated his commitment to continue the protest and urged supporters to participate in the planned peaceful march to Parliament on July 20.
Sonam Wangchuk Calls for Peaceful Parliament March
Addressing protesters gathered at Jantar Mantar, Wangchuk acknowledged that he was physically weak but remained mentally and emotionally resolute.
“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. We will go together and present our plea in the temple of democracy,” he said.
In a light-hearted remark, Wangchuk added that he would remain alive until July 20 and joked that if supporters failed to make the march successful, he would “come back as a ghost,” drawing cheers from the crowd.
Doctors Warn of Critical Health Condition
Doctors attending to Wangchuk on Thursday stated that his prolonged fast has entered a critical stage. Medical experts warned that continuing the hunger strike could potentially lead to organ damage if adequate medical intervention is not provided.
Despite the health concerns, Wangchuk has refused to end his fast, stating that calling it off without a response from the government would send the wrong message. He emphasised that the immediate priority is ensuring the success of the July 20 Parliament march.
Delhi High Court Orders Daily Health Monitoring
The matter has also reached the Delhi High Court. The court has directed authorities to monitor Wangchuk’s health on a daily basis and provide necessary medical assistance if his condition worsens during the ongoing protest.
Student Protesters Also Face Health Risks
The CPI(ML) Liberation-affiliated All India Students’ Association (AISA) said that three of its members—Neha, Manish, and Aameen—who are also observing an indefinite hunger strike at a separate protest site, are facing serious health complications.
According to the organisation:
- Aameen is reportedly at risk of severe dehydration-related complications.
- Neha’s blood sugar level has dropped to a dangerously low level.
- Manish has lost more than 10 per cent of his body weight.
Despite their medical conditions, AISA stated that the student protesters remain committed to continuing their demonstration in solidarity with Sonam Wangchuk.
Protest Enters 28th Day; Key Demands Remain Unchanged
The protest, organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) over alleged examination irregularities, has now entered its 28th day.
The organisation has demanded:
- The resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
- Compensation of Rs 1 crore for the families of students who allegedly lost their lives by suicide in connection with examination-related distress.
The CJP has also called for a peaceful march to Parliament on July 20, which coincides with the opening day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament.
July 20 March Becomes Focal Point of Protest
With Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike reaching a critical stage and support from student groups continuing to grow, all eyes are now on the planned July 20 Parliament march. Protest organisers have appealed for peaceful participation as they seek to draw attention to their demands and secure a response from the government.
