NEW DELHI: The health of educator and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has significantly deteriorated on the 16th day of his indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar. Reports from the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) indicate his blood glucose level has dropped to 67 mg/dL, while he has lost approximately 8.2 kg during the fast.
Wangchuk initially joined the CJP protests on June 28 and has maintained an indefinite fast since then. A health update shared by the party revealed his blood pressure was recorded at 107/70 mm Hg.
In light of the situation, CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka emphasized the critical nature of the coming days. He warned that demonstrators could face arrests under the National Security Act (NSA) or the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), either prior to or following the planned march to Parliament on July 20.
“Over the next few days, we will be labeled as anti-nationals, urban Naxals, and even Pakistanis. We could face arrest either before the 20th or immediately afterward, likely under NSA/UAPA, facing potential years in jail. Yet, we are prepared to pay that price,” Ranka stated in a post on X.
Ranka further questioned, “Will we awaken and hold this government accountable? Will we rise to ensure this government cannot ignore our demands any longer? Will we ensure that Dharmendra Pradhan, responsible for 20 suicides and many ruined futures, is replaced as education minister?”
The CJP protest at Jantar Mantar, which addresses alleged examination irregularities, reached its 24th day on Monday. The party is insisting on the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and demanding ₹1 crore in compensation for families of students who allegedly took their lives due to these irregularities.
Additionally, a delegation from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)Atishi, visited the protest site to express their solidarity. Support was also extended by CPI(M) MP Amra Ram and senior leaders of the party, along with Uddhav Thackeray, the chief of Shiv Sena (UBT).
In a parallel effort, members of the CPI(ML) Liberation-affiliated All India Students’ Association are persisting with their own indefinite hunger strike at a separate section of the protest site. They reported further deterioration in health but are committed to continuing the protest.
“We urge the government not to let this situation degenerate into a battle of egos, as human lives hang in the balance. Acknowledging a mistake does not indicate weakness; rather, it reflects maturity, accountability, and a readiness to rectify course. All we seek is accountability,” appealed Dipke.
