Sonam Wangchuk Loses Over 7 kg on 11th Day of Hunger Strike
Educator and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk’s condition worsened on Wednesday, when doctors who examined her on the 11th day of her indefinite fast at Jantar Mantar reported a weight loss of more than 7 kilos. The Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) protest at the protest site, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and accountability of the government over allegations of examination irregularities, has entered its 19th day.
According to a medical bulletin published on Wednesday morning, Wangchuk’s weight dropped to 59.40 kilograms, bringing his total weight loss since the start of the hunger strike to more than 7 kilograms.
Blood pressure was measured as 103/68 mm Hg in the sitting position and 111/73 mm Hg in the supine position. His heart rate was 74 beats per minute, his blood sugar level was 75 mg/dL, and his oxygen saturation was 98 percent. The bulletin stated that his fluid intake was adequate and he remained mentally alert.
CJP had been demanding Pradhan’s resignation, alleging that repeated exam irregularities and paper leaks were ruining the lives of students and their families.
On Tuesday, the team welcomed the Delhi High Court’s decision to restore the original X-arm, which was stayed in May. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke called the order a “huge win” for freedom of movement, expression and digital rights.
A delegation from Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) visited the protest site on Tuesday and expressed solidarity with the agitation and reiterated support to the protesters’ demands, including resignation of Pradhan, dismissal of the National Testing Agency (NTA), compensation to families of students who died by suicide and action against those responsible for the alleged examination irregularities.
Meanwhile, members of the All India Students Association (AISA) affiliated with CPI(ML) Liberation – Neha, Manish, Hrishikesh, Deepak Kumar Verma and Aameen – continued their indefinite hunger strike at a separate stage at the protest site.
The National Eligibility and Entrance Test (Undergraduate) or NEET-UG, held on May 3 for admission to medical colleges, has been canceled due to allegations of paper leak. Retested on June 21.
The CJP protest began on June 20 over allegations of irregularities in the country’s examination system and has since gained the support of many political leaders, activists and civil society members.
