New Delhi: Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke on Monday ended his indefinite hunger strike following an appeal from activist Sonam Wangchuk, who urged supporters observing solidarity fasts to withdraw their protests and preserve their strength for the upcoming march towards Parliament.
Dipke concluded his fast in the presence of the father of Ria, a Dehradun-based NEET aspirant who died by suicide last month. His decision came after Wangchuk requested all those participating in hunger strikes alongside him to focus their efforts on the proposed demonstration.
Dipke had started his indefinite fast on Saturday after Delhi Police moved Wangchuk from the Jantar Mantar protest location to Safdarjung Hospital following directions from the Delhi High Court amid concerns over Wangchuk’s health condition.
At the beginning of his protest, Dipke had announced that he would continue the hunger strike indefinitely in support of the demands raised by the movement.
Although Dipke has ended his fast, Wangchuk continues his hunger strike at Safdarjung Hospital. In a handwritten statement, the activist outlined the conditions under which he would consider ending his protest.
Wangchuk said he would call off the fast if the government accepted responsibility for recent issues affecting the education system, including allegations of examination paper leaks. He also stated that he would end the protest if CJP leadership was able to reach Parliament and receive assurances from Members of Parliament and political leaders that the concerns would be raised inside the House.
He added that if his health prevented him from travelling to Parliament, representatives from different political parties should visit him at the hospital and provide the required assurance.
Wangchuk has also alleged that his stay at Safdarjung Hospital amounts to “illegal detention”, claiming that restrictions have been placed on his movement, communication and ability to express himself.
The latest development comes as CJP members continue preparations for a planned Parliament march, while parallel discussions between government representatives and the organisation are underway in an effort to address the ongoing dispute.
