Health Concerns Rise as Activist Sonam Wangchuk Continues Hunger Strike
Sonam Wangchuk, a prominent educator and climate activist, is facing serious health issues as he enters the 16th day of his hunger strike at Jantar Mantar. Reports indicate he has lost significant weight and his blood glucose levels have dropped dangerously low. The 'Cockroach People Party' has called for the government to address the protesters' demands, while political leaders from various parties have shown their support. Despite the deteriorating health of the fasting students, the protests continue, highlighting concerns over democracy and accountability in the education system. Read on to learn more about this critical situation.
| Jul 13, 2026, 16:58 IST
Sonam Wangchuk's Health Declines Amid Ongoing Protest
The 'Cockroach People Party' reported on Monday that educator and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has lost 8.2 kilograms since commencing his indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar. The party also noted that his blood glucose level has dropped to 67 mg/dL, urging the central government to respond to the protesters' demands. On the 16th day of Wangchuk's fast, the party expressed concerns over his deteriorating health. Their protest against alleged irregularities in examinations has now reached its 24th day, with continued support from opposition leaders and student groups at the protest site.
According to the health update from the party, Wangchuk's blood pressure was recorded at 107/70 mm Hg. Abhijit Dipke, the founder of the party, appealed to the government not to let this situation turn into a matter of pride. In a post on X, Dipke stated, 'Today marks the 16th day of Wangchuk's hunger strike. I urge the government not to make this a battle of egos, as human lives are at stake.' He further emphasized, 'Acknowledging one's mistakes is not a sign of weakness; it reflects wisdom, accountability, and a willingness to correct errors. We are merely asking for accountability.'
Support from Political Leaders and Student Groups
On that day, a delegation from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), led by former Delhi Chief Minister Atishi, visited the protest site to express solidarity. CPI(M) MP Amara Ram also visited the site with senior CPI(M) leaders from Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan to support the demands. The visiting leaders endorsed a proposed peaceful march from Jantar Mantar to Parliament on July 20. The AAP delegation reiterated their support for the movement, calling for a transparent, fair, and reliable examination system, and backed the demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Members of the 'All India Students Association' (AISA), affiliated with CPI(ML) Liberation, including Neha, Manish, Deepak, and Ameen, continued their own indefinite hunger strike on a separate platform at the protest site.
Concerns Over Democracy and Student Health
AISA released a statement indicating that Atishi met with the students on hunger strike, expressing concern over the state of democracy, as the students have been on an indefinite hunger strike for weeks without any positive response from the government. The organization also highlighted the deteriorating health of the fasting students but insisted that the protests would continue.