Wangchuk Enters 14th Day of Hunger Strike Amid CJP Protest
Climate activist and educator Sonam Wangchuk, on the 14th day of his indefinite hunger strike, has stated that his hunger has stabilised and warned against any attempt to remove him from the protest site. The 22nd day of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi continued on Saturday, with Wangchuk asserting that his fast is a constitutional right. He lost 7.5 kg since beginning the fast, with blood pressure recorded at 106/74 mm Hg, according to a health update from the outfit.
Wangchuk Rejects ‘Modern Gandhi’ Label, Urges Citizen Responsibility
In a video posted on X on Friday night, Wangchuk expressed feeling less energetic than the previous day but remained committed. He said, “Today, on the 13th day of my fast, I am not feeling as energetic as I was yesterday. I am feeling a little tired. It happens—some days are better and some are not.” Thanking supporters, he noted disappointment with comments calling him a “modern Gandhi” or a hero. “I am neither Gandhi nor a hero. I am just an ordinary citizen who has tried to fulfil his responsibilities,” he said, urging people to become heroes of their own lives and fulfill citizen duties.
Call for Participation in July 20 March to Parliament
Referring to student suicides linked to alleged examination irregularities, Wangchuk urged people to join the movement. “If one of those students had been your sister or daughter, you would have joined us. But don’t wait for that. If you can’t come here every day, join us at least for one day at Jantar Mantar. If you can’t come to Delhi, observe a fast wherever you are and share your message,” he said. He reiterated the call for a peaceful march to Parliament on July 20, the opening day of the Monsoon Session, to urge MPs to address the issues.
Wangchuk Warns Against Forced Removal, Cites Constitutional Rights
On Friday, Wangchuk said his hunger had stabilised after initial days and asserted that any attempt to remove him would violate his constitutional right to peaceful protest. “I am here willingly and there is no threat to my life. If they remove me, it will be a violation of our rights,” he said. He continues the fast in support of students seeking accountability over alleged examination irregularities and for early resolution of issues concerning Ladakh.
CJP Demands and Protest Timeline
The CJP has been demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Rs 1 crore compensation for families of students who allegedly died by suicide due to examination irregularities. The protest began on June 20, with Wangchuk joining on June 28 and starting his indefinite hunger strike. The group has announced a peaceful march to Parliament on July 20.
