NEET – Sonam Wangchuk Loses Over Seven Kilograms During Jantar Mantar Fast
NEET – Educator and climate campaigner Sonam Wangchuk’s health showed further strain on Wednesday as his indefinite fast at Jantar Mantar entered its 11th day. Doctors monitoring him said he had lost more than seven kilograms since beginning the hunger strike, while remaining conscious and mentally alert.
Health Bulletin Records Weight Loss
A medical bulletin issued on Wednesday morning said Wangchuk’s weight had fallen to 59.40 kg. The report noted that he had lost over seven kilograms during the fast.
His blood pressure was measured at 103/68 mm Hg while seated and 111/73 mm Hg while lying down. Doctors recorded his pulse at 74 beats per minute, blood glucose at 75 mg/dL and oxygen saturation at 98 per cent. The bulletin described his hydration level as fair.
Protest Demands Minister’s Resignation
The protest organised by the Cockroach Janta Party continued for the 19th day at Jantar Mantar. The group has called for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and sought accountability over alleged irregularities in public examinations.
The organisation has alleged that paper leaks and repeated examination-related concerns have caused serious hardship for students and their families. Its members have demanded action against those responsible for alleged lapses in the examination process.
Delhi High Court Order Welcomed
On Tuesday, the group welcomed an order of the Delhi High Court that restored its original X account, which had been withheld in May. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke described the decision as an important development for the movement, freedom of expression and digital rights.
The restored social media account is expected to help the organisation communicate updates related to the protest and its demands.
Farmers’ Body Extends Support
A delegation from the Samyukta Kisan Morcha visited the protest venue on Tuesday and expressed support for the ongoing agitation. The group backed several demands raised by the protesters, including the resignation of the education minister and action over alleged examination irregularities.
The delegation also supported calls to discontinue the National Testing Agency, provide compensation to families of students who died by suicide, and take action against people found responsible for alleged failures in the examination system.
Separate Hunger Strike Continues
At another stage near the protest site, members of the All India Students’ Association continued their own indefinite hunger strike. The student organisation is affiliated with CPI(ML) Liberation.
Those participating in the separate fast include Neha, Manish, Hrishikesh, Deepak Kumar Verma and Aameen. Their protest has also focused on concerns related to examination management and student welfare.
NEET-UG Controversy Remains Central Issue
The protests have unfolded against the backdrop of controversy surrounding the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test for undergraduate medical admissions. The NEET-UG examination conducted on May 3 was cancelled following allegations of a paper leak.
Authorities later conducted a re-test on June 21. The developments intensified public debate over the reliability of national-level entrance examinations and the impact of such disruptions on students preparing for competitive tests.
The CJP began its protest on June 20, citing alleged flaws in the country’s examination system. Since then, the demonstration has received support from activists, civil society representatives and political leaders.