Indian activist Sonam Wangchuk has entered the 26th day of his hunger strike, saying he has lost 11 kilograms but remains determined to continue until the government guarantees the safety of student protesters.
Wangchuk, widely known as “Sonam Sir,” has become the face of a nationwide movement led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which is demanding major education reforms and the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over repeated examination paper leaks.
The activist was removed from the protest site at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on Saturday and admitted to Medanta Hospital in Gurugram, where he remains under medical care while continuing his fast.
Hospital officials said Wangchuk is being treated by a multidisciplinary team and remains stable. They added that all medical care is being provided with his informed consent.
Protests Continue Despite Police Crackdown
Thousands of supporters continue gathering at Jantar Mantar despite a heavy police presence and recent clashes between protesters and security forces.
The demonstrations intensified after police dispersed a large march toward Parliament earlier this week. Both protesters and police officers were injured during the confrontation, drawing criticism from opposition parties and human rights organizations.
The CJP claims around 150 protesters were injured, while police reported 60 injured demonstrators, 118 injured officers, and the arrest of 70 protesters, most of whom have since been released on bail.
Authorities have also dismantled protest structures and closed several metro stations in central Delhi, although demonstrators have continued their round-the-clock sit-in.
Wangchuk Refuses to End Fast
In a video message from his hospital bed, Wangchuk said he appreciates appeals from political leaders, government ministers, and supporters urging him to end his hunger strike.
However, he insisted he would only stop fasting if the government publicly guarantees that students participating in peaceful protests will not face force or retaliation.
He praised the students for remaining peaceful despite the police action, saying their restraint convinced him to continue his protest.
Government Responds
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not commented directly on the demonstrations but recently announced plans to establish fast-track courts to speed up the prosecution of those involved in examination paper leaks.
He said protecting students’ future remains a priority and warned that those responsible for compromising public examinations would face strict punishment.
The CJP welcomed efforts to punish offenders but argued that the government must address the root causes of repeated paper leaks rather than responding only after they occur.
Health Minister JP Nadda, who visited Wangchuk in hospital, also appealed to him to end his hunger strike and said the government remains willing to discuss the protesters’ concerns.
Calls for Minister’s Resignation Continue
Although Wangchuk has focused recent public statements on protecting student protesters, the CJP says its demand for Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation remains unchanged.
The movement accuses the minister of failing to prevent repeated leaks of major national examinations and says he should accept political responsibility.
Pradhan has rejected the criticism, accusing the opposition of using students for political purposes.
Human Rights Groups Raise Concerns
Human Rights Watch has called on Indian authorities to investigate the police response to the protests, alleging that excessive force was used against demonstrators.
The organization also urged the government to respect peaceful assembly and avoid internet restrictions that could endanger public safety during demonstrations.
The Cockroach Janta Party, which began as a satirical movement inspired by controversial remarks about unemployed young people, has rapidly grown into one of India’s most prominent youth-led protest movements, drawing tens of thousands of supporters across the country.
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Sonam Wangchuk Extends Hunger Strike in India
Indian activist Sonam Wangchuk has entered the 26th day of his hunger strike, saying he has lost 11 kilograms but remains determined to continue until the government guarantees the safety of student protesters. Wangchuk, widely known as "Sonam Sir," has become the face of a nationwide movement led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which is demanding major education reforms and the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over repeated examination paper leaks. The activist was removed from the protest site at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on Saturday and admitted to Medanta Hospital in Gurugram, where he remains under medical care while continuing his fast. Hospital officials said Wangchuk is being treated by a multidisciplinary team and remains stable. They added that all medical care is being provided with his informed consent. Protests Continue Despite Police Crackdown Thousands of […]
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