Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk on Friday joined the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, beginning an indefinite hunger strike. He urged supporters to turn it into a community hunger strike, fasting for at least a day.
Wangchuk's call for solidarity
Acknowledging the ongoing hunger strike by other protesters, Wangchuk said, "I want people to make this a community hunger strike. Everyone should observe at least a day-long fast to show solidarity." He added that he was "forced to sit here" due to the government's inaction on key issues.
Details of the protest
The CJP, a political group, has been demanding action on unemployment, inflation, and environmental degradation. Wangchuk, known for his climate activism and the "Ice Stupa" project in Ladakh, has often supported such causes. The protest at Jantar Mantar has drawn dozens of supporters, with more expected over the weekend.
According to Wangchuk, the hunger strike will continue until the government addresses their demands. He emphasized that non-violent protest is the only tool left for citizens. "We have tried every channel, but the government remains deaf," he said.
Broader implications
This protest comes amid rising civil unrest over economic and environmental policies. Wangchuk's involvement adds a prominent voice to the CJP's campaign, which has been largely overlooked by mainstream media. The activist's previous initiatives have gained international attention, including his 2019 march from Ladakh to Delhi demanding climate action.
