Sonam Wangchuk's Hunger Strike Enters 19th Day Amid NEET Controversy
Sonam Wangchuk's Health Update
In a video message released late last night from Jantar Mantar, educator and social activist Sonam Wangchuk stated, "I am not in great condition, but I am not in terrible shape either." His indefinite hunger strike, which has now reached its 19th day, is a protest against alleged irregularities in the NEET examination and demands the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. This movement began on June 19, initiated by an online satirical group called the 'Cockroach People's Party' (CJP), led by founder Abhijit Dipke, and has since evolved into a significant public movement.
Medical Condition and Support
According to the latest medical bulletin from CJP, the 59-year-old Wangchuk is reported to be "very weak" and is under 24-hour medical supervision. His weight has dropped to 57.15 kilograms, a decrease of 400 grams in the last 24 hours, and he has lost approximately 8.9 kilograms since the start of his fast. His blood pressure is recorded at 105/76 mmHg, blood sugar at 80 mg/dL, and oxygen saturation at 97%. Doctors have confirmed that he is conscious and mentally alert but requires continuous monitoring.
Call for Support and Solidarity
In his video message, Wangchuk urged supporters not to ask him to end his fast but to join him in a planned "March to Parliament" on July 20. He stated, "Instead of asking me to break my fast, please join me on July 20 for a peaceful march to Parliament." He is not alone in this protest; several other individuals, including members of student organizations, are also on hunger strikes at Jantar Mantar. Despite deteriorating health, AISA leaders Neha, Manish, and Ameen continue their fast, with reported weight losses of 5.85 kilograms, 8.2 kilograms, and 8.3 kilograms, respectively.
Political Support and Appeals
Political figures have also shown support for Wangchuk. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor made an emotional appeal for him to end his hunger strike, stating that it has "awakened the nation's conscience" and that the fight for student issues should now be taken to Parliament. In an open letter, Tharoor wrote, "My heartfelt appeal to Mr. Sonam Wangchuk: Please end your fast. You have awakened the nation's conscience; that is the purpose of a fast. India needs your voice for the long journey ahead."
Health Concerns and Legal Action
Earlier, several political leaders, including Mamata Banerjee, Akhilesh Yadav, Uddhav Thackeray, and Arvind Kejriwal, urged Wangchuk to end his fast. Actress Zeenat Aman also called for the government to initiate dialogue. Meanwhile, a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Delhi High Court seeking immediate medical assistance for Wangchuk, requesting that he be hospitalized and provided necessary treatment, including forced feeding if required, due to his declining health.
Support from the Arts and Academia
On Monday, over 1,800 artists, educators, writers, and social activists released an open letter supporting the protesters' demands and urged them to end their indefinite hunger strike due to growing health concerns. Signatories included actors Naseeruddin Shah and Ratna Pathak Shah, writer Arundhati Roy, economist Jean Drèze, and scholars like Nivedita Menon and Anuradha Chenoy. They expressed full support for the demand for the minister's resignation but encouraged protesters to conserve their strength for the long and challenging fight ahead.
Next Steps: March to Parliament
As part of their campaign, CJP has announced a one-day collective hunger strike and reiterated their call for citizens to join the march to Parliament on July 20. They are demanding a transparent examination system, accountability for repeated paper leaks, and the removal of the education minister.