Education Protest – Sonam Wangchuk Vows to Continue Fast Ahead of July 20 Parliament March
Education Protest – Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has reaffirmed that he will continue his indefinite hunger strike until at least July 20, despite medical experts expressing serious concerns about the impact of the prolonged fast on his health.
Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk addressed supporters on Friday as his indefinite hunger strike entered its 20th day, saying he was determined to remain alive until July 20 under any circumstances. His statement came as the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar completed 28 days. The campaign, organised over alleged examination irregularities, is set to culminate in a peaceful march to Parliament on July 20, where protesters plan to present their demands before lawmakers.
Wangchuk Calls for Strong Public Participation
While speaking to those gathered at the protest venue, Wangchuk admitted that the extended fast had significantly affected his physical strength. However, he said his resolve remained unshaken and urged people from across the country to join the proposed Parliament march.
He told supporters that although his body had become weak, his determination remained powerful. Stressing the importance of unity, he said the planned march should reflect a peaceful appeal to what he described as the country’s temple of democracy. Wangchuk also remarked that he would remain alive until July 20 at any cost and, in a light-hearted comment, joked that he would return as a ghost if people failed to make the march successful.
Doctors Warn of Serious Health Risks
Medical professionals supervising Wangchuk’s condition have warned that his health has entered a critical phase after nearly three weeks without food. According to the doctors, continuing the hunger strike could result in severe complications, including the possibility of damage to vital organs if the fast is prolonged further.
Despite repeated medical advice, Wangchuk has declined to end the protest. He has maintained that withdrawing from the fast without a response from the government would weaken the purpose of the movement. His focus, he said, remains on ensuring broad public participation in the July 20 demonstration.
High Court Directs Regular Health Monitoring
The matter has also reached the Delhi High Court, which has instructed the concerned authorities to keep a close watch on Wangchuk’s health. The court directed officials to conduct daily monitoring and ensure that appropriate medical care is provided immediately if his condition shows signs of further deterioration.
Student Activists Also Face Health Concerns
Meanwhile, the All India Students’ Association (AISA), affiliated with CPI(ML) Liberation, reported that three of its members participating in a separate indefinite hunger strike had also experienced worsening health conditions.
According to the organisation, Aameen is facing a serious risk of hypovolemic shock because of dehydration. It also said that Neha’s random blood sugar level had fallen to 49 mg/dL, while Manish has lost more than 10 percent of his body weight during the protest.
Even with these health concerns, AISA stated that its members remain committed to standing in solidarity with Wangchuk until the government addresses the issues raised by the protesters.
Key Demands Behind the Protest
The Cockroach Janta Party has demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and has sought compensation of Rs 1 crore for the families of students who allegedly died by suicide in connection with examination-related irregularities. The organisation has announced that its peaceful march to Parliament will take place on July 20, coinciding with the opening day of the Monsoon Session.
The agitation began on June 20 at Jantar Mantar. Wangchuk joined the protest on June 28 and has remained on an indefinite hunger strike since then, making his health and the planned Parliament march central to the ongoing movement.