Sonam Wangchuk Loses 6 Kg as Hunger Strike Enters Eighth Day During Jantar Mantar Protest
Medical teams express concern over the activist's health as the ongoing demonstration enters its 16th day with renewed support from student and farmers' groups.
The protest at New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar entered its 16th day on Sunday, with educationist and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk completing eight days of his indefinite hunger strike.
According to doctors monitoring his condition, Wangchuk has lost around six kilograms since beginning the fast. Medical teams have expressed concern over his declining health, citing low blood sugar levels, fluctuating blood pressure, and signs of physical exhaustion.
Wangchuk joined the student led protest demanding greater accountability in the education system and calling for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The demonstration was launched following concerns raised over the conduct of the NEET UG and CBSE examinations earlier this year.
Despite his weakening health, Wangchuk has continued to address supporters at the protest site. He has maintained that the country’s examination system requires comprehensive reforms to restore fairness and public confidence.
The demonstration has also drawn support from several student organisations and civil society groups. A delegation from the Samyukta Kisan Morcha visited the protest site to extend its support to the students. Members of the All India Students’ Association are also participating in separate hunger strikes alongside the main protest.
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke criticised the Union government for not responding to the protesters’ demands. He said the agitation would continue and expand to other states until the Ministry of Education addressed the concerns raised by students and accepted responsibility for the issues highlighted by the protesters.