NEW DELHI: Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra on Tuesday requested Sonam Wangchuk to terminate his ongoing indefinite hunger strike, which aims to address issues related to examination irregularities and the NEET paper leak controversy.
This plea comes as Wangchuk’s fast at Jantar Mantar reached its 17th day. In a post shared on X, Moitra acknowledged Wangchuk’s success in rallying the nation’s youth to unite in their quest for justice.
“Sonam Sir your fast has united this country’s youth in their war for justice. Your goal is reached. The government doesn’t care about your life or that of crores of youth. But your life matters to us. Please call off your fast and continue the fight,” Moitra stated.
On Monday, a collective of prominent figures, including writer Arundhati Roy and actors Naseeruddin Shah and Ratna Pathak Shah, urged the fasting protesters to end their strikes. They fully supported the demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
The joint statement expressed gratitude to the protesters for spearheading the movement against the government, but raised alarm over their deteriorating health.
“We salute your sense of purpose, the determination and courage with which you are spearheading this movement for students and youth across the country,” the statement read.
Furthermore, the signatories encouraged the protesters to conclude their fasts, stating, “We request you to please consider ending this hunger strike immediately in the interests of the longer and more difficult struggle ahead. This battle is a marathon, not a sprint, and we need your strength and leadership in the days to come.”
Organizers reported that Wangchuk has lost 8.2 kilograms since starting his fast. His latest medical evaluations indicated a blood pressure reading of 107/70 mmHg and a blood glucose level of 67 mg/dL.
In a concerning development, AISA activist Deepak was admitted to Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital after experiencing health complications stemming from 16 days of fasting. His condition had worsened, resulting in a loss of approximately 15 percent of his body weight and a blood pressure drop to 80/40 mmHg in the past three days, prompting doctors to advise immediate hospitalization due to the risk of organ damage.
During a press conference, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke questioned the government’s inaction in engaging with the protesters despite the ongoing agitation and the deteriorating health of those fasting. He emphasized the need for dialogue instead of allowing egos to prolong the situation.
“I request the government not to turn this into a battle of egos as human lives are at stake. Acknowledging a mistake is not a sign of weakness; it signifies maturity, accountability, and a willingness to correct course. All we are asking for is accountability,” he remarked.
As Wangchuk’s fast entered Day 17, parallels were drawn with activist Anna Hazare’s past hunger strike of 12 days, which supported the Jan Lokpal movement in 2011. Hazare’s first hunger strike commenced on April 5, 2011, and concluded four days later following a commitment from the then Union government to establish a committee to address his demands.
When asked why Wangchuk and other protesters persisted in their fast beyond the 12-day mark observed by Hazare, Dipke commented, “That was a different India… In today’s India, human lives are not valued.”
He expressed criticism of the government for neglecting the well-being of Wangchuk, a Magsaysay awardee, educator, and innovator. The CJP protests began on June 20, with Wangchuk joining the movement on June 28 and maintaining his indefinite hunger strike since then.
