Calls Grow for Sonam Wangchuk to End Hunger Strike as Health Worsens; Opposition Leaders Extend Support
Concerns over the health of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk intensified on Tuesday as his indefinite hunger strike entered its 17th day, prompting leaders from across the political spectrum to urge him to end the fast while continuing his campaign through other means.
According to updates shared by Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke, Wangchuk has experienced significant weight loss and is showing signs of physical deterioration.
Health condition raises concern
Dipke said Wangchuk has lost 8.5 kg since beginning his fast and is suffering from muscle loss and persistent pain. He also shared that Wangchuk’s blood pressure was recorded at 109/70 mm Hg.
In a post on X, Dipke recalled urging Wangchuk to call off the strike.
“He has started losing muscle mass and is in immense pain. Like everyone else, I requested him to end his fast. He calmly replied, ‘Don’t ask me to end my fast. Ask the government why they won’t even have a dialogue.’”
A day earlier, Dipke had reported that Wangchuk’s blood glucose level stood at 67, with a blood pressure reading of 107/70 mm Hg and a total weight loss of 8.2 kg.
He appealed to the government not to allow the situation to become a “battle of egos,” saying that human lives should take priority.
Political leaders urge Wangchuk to end fast
Support for Wangchuk’s protest has continued to grow, with several political leaders expressing solidarity while urging him to prioritise his health.
Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra appealed to Wangchuk to end the hunger strike.
“Your fast has united this country’s youth in their fight for justice. Your goal has been achieved. The government may not care, but your life matters to us. Please end your fast and continue the movement.”
An AAP delegation, led by former Delhi Chief Minister Atishi, also visited the protest site to express support for the ongoing agitation.
Former Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray extended his backing to Wangchuk and the CJP movement, while similarly urging him to withdraw the indefinite fast.
Meanwhile, CPI(M) MP Amra Ram, along with senior party leaders from Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan, visited the protest venue and supported the protesters’ demands, including a proposed peaceful march from Jantar Mantar to Parliament on July 20, the opening day of the Monsoon Session.
Protest enters fourth week
The Cockroach Janata Party launched its protest on June 20, while Wangchuk joined the agitation on June 28, beginning his indefinite hunger strike.
The organisation is demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and ₹1 crore compensation for the families of students who allegedly died by suicide following alleged examination-related irregularities.
With Wangchuk’s health becoming a growing concern, calls for dialogue between the protesters and the government have intensified as the agitation enters its fourth week.
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