Ladakhi groups distance themselves from Sonam Wangchuk’s Delhi hunger strike, LAB clarifies stand

Although one of the members of the core committee of the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk on Sunday began a hunger strike at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, agitating Ladakhi groups distanced themselves from his decision to join the Cockroach Janata Party’s (CJP) agitation.

“Neither the Leh Apex Body nor any other Ladakhi group has anything to do with Sonam Wangchuk’s decision to begin a hunger strike at Jantar Mantar in Delhi,” co-chairman of the Leh Apex Body and president of the Ladakh Buddhist Association, Chering Dorjay Lakrook, told The International Business Times.

He said that launching a hunger strike alongside members of the Cockroach Janata Party was not part of the ongoing agitation by Ladakhi groups. “Starting a hunger strike at Jantar Mantar is Sonam Wangchuk’s individual and personal decision, and we have nothing to do with it,” he clarified.

Earlier, following the successful Ladakh bandh on June 23, 2026, Sonam Wangchuk announced on June 25, 2026, that he would begin an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar from June 28 if the government failed to respond to demands related to the alleged irregularities in the NEET examination.

In a video message posted on X, Wangchuk said he would wait until June 27 for the government’s response and would launch the hunger strike the following day if no satisfactory action was taken on the issues concerning the NEET examination raised by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP).

Referring to his recent visit to Geneva, Wangchuk said he had earlier informed supporters that he would review the status of their demands upon returning from Switzerland.

He said the two key issues he had raised were accountability in the field of education and accountability on matters concerning Ladakh’s environment, culture, and the welfare of its people.

Wangchuk asserted that citizens should have a voice in decisions affecting education, while the people of Ladakh should be heard on issues relating to environmental protection and the preservation of their cultural heritage.

He urged the government to take responsibility and address the concerns raised on both fronts.

Wangchuk starts hunger strike at Jantar Mantar

A large number of protesters gathered at Jantar Mantar as Wangchuk began his fast. Several farmer leaders were also present at the protest site. The protest commenced with a two-minute silence.

Before beginning the hunger strike, Wangchuk and CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke visited Rajghat and paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi.

Dipke had earlier appealed to farmers, students, and various organisations to join the protest and support the demand for accountability over alleged irregularities in the examination system, including the NEET medical entrance examination.

He also claimed on X that several farmer leaders from Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab had been placed under house arrest to prevent them from reaching Jantar Mantar.

The CJP launched its protest at Jantar Mantar on June 20, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

During the course of the protest, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke alleged that the issue was not confined to a single examination but reflected broader concerns about transparency and public trust in the education system. The protest has also witnessed participation from students and members of civil society.

Notably, in May this year, Sonam Wangchuk voiced support for the online “cockroach” movement led by the CJP and described himself as an “honorary cockroach”. He urged the government to engage with the concerns being raised by young people rather than suppressing their digital expression.