Climate activist and educator Sonam Wangchuk's health has deteriorated significantly on the 11th day of his indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. According to a health bulletin issued on Wednesday morning, Wangchuk has lost over 7 kilograms since the start of his fast, with his current weight recorded at 59.40 kilograms.
Health Parameters and Medical Observation
Doctors monitoring Wangchuk reported his blood pressure at 103/68 mm Hg in a sitting position and 111/73 mm Hg while lying down. His heart rate was 74 beats per minute, blood glucose level was 75 mg/dL, and oxygen saturation stood at 98 per cent. The bulletin noted that his hydration was fair and that he remained mentally alert despite the prolonged fast.
CJP Protest Enters 19th Day
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest, which began on June 20 over alleged irregularities in the country's examination system, entered its 19th day on Wednesday. The protest site at Jantar Mantar has drawn support from several political leaders, activists, and civil society members. The CJP is demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, citing repeated examination irregularities and paper leaks that have adversely affected students and their families.
Legal Victory for CJP
On Tuesday, the CJP welcomed the Delhi High Court's order restoring its original X handle, which had been withheld in May. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke described the order as a "big win" for the movement, free speech, and digital rights.
Solidarity from Farmer Unions and Student Groups
A delegation from the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) visited the protest site on Tuesday to express solidarity with the agitation. They 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.
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.
Background: NEET-UG Cancellation and Re-test
The National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (Undergraduate), or NEET-UG, for admission to medical colleges, was held on May 3 but later cancelled over allegations of a paper leak. A re-test was subsequently conducted on June 21. The CJP protest was launched on June 20 in response to these alleged irregularities in the examination system.
