Sonam Wangchuk loses 7 kg as hunger strike enters Day 11
Wangchuk’s indefinite fast is part of Cockroach Janta Party’s protest demanding education minister’s resignation and govt. accountability over irregularities in exams
As his indefinite fast at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar entered the 11th day, educator and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk’s condition deteriorated further, with doctors stating that he has lost 7 kilograms so far.
Wangchuk’s hunger strike is part of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) 's protest demanding Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation and government accountability for alleged examination irregularities. The protest entered its 19th day on Wednesday (July 8).
Health update
According to a health bulletin issued on Wednesday morning, Wangchuk's weight has dropped to 59.40 kilograms, taking his total weight loss since the start of the hunger strike to more than 7 kilograms.
Also read/watch: Can Wangchuk’s hunger strike evolve into education reforms movement? | Capital Beat
His blood pressure was recorded at 103/68 mm Hg in the sitting position and 111/73 mm Hg while lying down. His heart rate was 74 beats per minute, blood glucose level 75 mg/dL, and oxygen saturation was 98 per cent. The bulletin said his hydration was fair and that he remained mentally alert.
Farmers show solidarity
The CJP has been demanding Pradhan's resignation, alleging that repeated examination irregularities and paper leaks have devastated the lives of students and their families.
On Tuesday, the outfit welcomed the Delhi High Court's order restoring its original X handle, which had been withheld in May. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke termed the order a "big win" for the movement, free speech and digital rights.
Also read: What is really behind govt's change of heart on Sonam Wangchuk?
A delegation of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) also visited the protest site on Tuesday to express solidarity with the agitation and reiterated support for the protesters' demands, including Pradhan's resignation, scrapping 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.
Parallel strike by AISA
Meanwhile, members of the CPI(ML) Liberation-affiliated All India Students' Association (AISA) – Neha, Manish, Hrishikesh, Deepak Kumar Verma and Aameen – continued their indefinite hunger strike on a separate stage at the protest site.
The National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (Undergraduate), or NEET-UG, for admission to medical colleges, held on May 3, was cancelled over allegations of a paper leak. A re-test was held on June 21.
Also read/watch: NEET protest: Funding row overshadows CJP's demands as Wangchuk begins fast
The CJP protest began on June 20 over alleged irregularities in the country's examination system and has since drawn support from several political leaders, activists and civil society members.