New Delhi: Educator and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk asserted that he would stay alive until July 20 at any cost, even as his indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar entered its 20th day. The fast has reached a critical stage, with doctors warning of imminent organ damage and severe muscle depletion. Despite his deteriorating physical condition and losing over nine kilograms, Wangchuk remains resolute, refusing to call off the protest until the central government addresses the agitation. Addressing a large gathering of supporters, the activist struck a defiant and light-hearted note, telling the crowd that if the proposed march to Parliament on July 20 fails to succeed, he would come back as a ghost.
The demonstration, organised under the banner of the youth-led political movement Cockroach Janta Party, has entered its 28th day at Jantar Mantar. The outfit is demanding the immediate resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over widespread examination irregularities and paper leaks, alongside a compensation of Rs 1 crore for the families of students who died by suicide due to testing discrepancies. The planned peaceful march to Parliament is strategically scheduled for July 20 to coincide with the opening day of the Monsoon Session. The Delhi High Court has already intervened in the matter, directing municipal and police authorities to conduct daily health check-ups and provide emergency medical assistance if Wangchuk’s vital parameters decline further.
The agitation has seen intensifying solidarity from various student groups, including the All India Students’ Association, whose members have also entered dangerous stages of a parallel indefinite hunger strike. Medical updates indicate that student protesters are facing severe health risks, including potential hypovolemic shock due to extreme dehydration and critically low blood sugar levels. Despite these escalating medical emergencies, the student body stated that its members remain committed to continuing their fast alongside Wangchuk to demand systemic accountability in the national examination system. Political leaders and civil society members have continued to visit the protest site to express support and urge the government to break its silence and initiate formal dialogue with the striking activists.
