The indefinite hunger strike by students at Jantar Mantar, demanding action over alleged examination irregularities and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, entered its seventh day on Saturday with the hospitalisation of a key protester. Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU) joint secretary Danish Ali was admitted to Delhi's Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital around 5:30 pm after her condition deteriorated due to prolonged fasting.
Blood Sugar Level Drops Critically
According to the All India Students Association (AISA), Danish Ali experienced severe pain and weakness during the fast, prompting immediate medical intervention. Her blood sugar level had plummeted to 46 mg/dl, far below the normal range. An ambulance transported her to the hospital, where she received intravenous fluids and was advised to break her fast under medical supervision.
AISA stated in a release, 'Danish Ali's health deteriorated rapidly, and we had to rush her to the hospital. The agitation has been ongoing for a week, and the Centre has ignored our demands despite the deteriorating health of the protesters.'
Hundreds Gather as Protests Continue
As Danish Ali was taken to the hospital, hundreds of students gathered at Jantar Mantar, raising slogans and reiterating their demand for Pradhan's resignation. The protest, organised by AISA and other student bodies, has seen participation from leaders including Sonam Wanghuk, AISA president Neha, Manish, Hrishikesh, Deepak, and Aameen, who continue their indefinite hunger strike.
The protesters allege that the Union Education Minister has failed to address systemic irregularities in university examinations and has been unresponsive to student concerns. They have vowed to continue the strike until their demands are met.
Allegations of Hostility and Delegitimisation
AISA also accused the establishment of attempting to delegitimise the protest and claimed that participants were facing hostility. The organisation alleged that the Centre had deliberately ignored the agitation despite the protesters' worsening health conditions. 'The government is trying to break our spirit, but we will not back down,' a spokesperson for AISA said.
The indefinite hunger strike, now in its second week, has drawn attention to student rights and examination transparency issues. The protesters remain firm in their demand for the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan, holding him accountable for the alleged lapses.
Medical Support and Continued Vigil
Medical teams have been stationed at the protest site to monitor the health of the hunger strikers. However, with each passing day, concerns over their well-being grow. Danish Ali's hospitalisation underscores the physical toll of the protest, but the demonstrators have expressed determination to continue.
The Jantar Mantar protest has become a focal point for student activism in the capital, drawing support from various quarters. The coming days will be crucial as the health of the protesters remains a pressing concern, and the government faces mounting pressure to respond.
