Indian activist Sonam Wangchuk’s health worsens as youth party backs hunger strike

NEW DELHI: Indian social activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk is in an extremely critical condition as his hunger strike entered its 18th straight day on Wednesday, with the activist remaining under round-the-clock medical supervision.

Wangchuk began his fast in central Delhi on June 28 in support of the founder of India’s youth Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), who has been staging a sit-in to demand the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over examination paper leaks in May that affected millions of students. the protest as a rare act of defiance during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rule.

Wangchuk has lost more than eight kilograms since the hunger strike began. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke said Wangchuk has been losing muscle mass and is in immense pain.

Party announces solidarity fast

The CJP said it would hold a one-day hunger strike on July 16 to support Wangchuk, who is on an indefinite fast over examination irregularities and the NEET paper leak. In a post on X, the party called for wider participation.

“Tomorrow, July 16th join us for 1-day mass hunger strike in solidarity with Sonam Wangchuk and the students of this country.”

Several senior opposition figures have also urged Wangchuk to end his fast. Among them was former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav, who wrote on X that Wangchuk’s life carries global value because of his dedication to humanity, the environment and democracy.