Three days after climate activist Sonam Wangchuk began an indefinite hunger strike in support of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)’s ongoing protest, the activist gave an update on his health, saying he has lost nearly two kilograms of weight. His medical examination showed that his sugar and blood pressure levels had also decreased.
Wangchuk began a hunger strike on Sunday (June 28) last week demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the deaths caused by NEET-UG papers leak.
In a video post on X, CJP founder Abhijit Debaki said Wangchuk’s condition was “getting worse by the hour” and raised concerns about his health. However, despite this, Wangchuk remained determined to continue the hunger strike, saying that he was “fine now” but felt “tired”. The CJP founder urged people to reach Jantar Mantar in Delhi, where Wangchuk observes fast, and show their support for the movement.
Read also | CJP claims Delhi Police cut off water and sanitation facilities in Jantar Mantar amid Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike
“If millions of children are happy, it’s a cheap deal.”
In a video on X, Wangchuk said he had lost “about 2 kg” of weight, adding that his blood pressure had dropped “a little”. “I will have to increase the water and salt. Because dehydration occurs in summer. I told you about the sugar level. I told you that when you stop eating, the sugar level goes down,” Wangchuk said.
The activist said: “So this is normal for me, but if it lasts longer, it starts eating the muscle after the fat,” adding that this is a “long cycle.” However, he claimed that he was “feeling better” and was “fine.”
“Yes, there are some problems. But because of my problems, if millions of children are happy, it’s a cheap deal,” Wangchuk said. He said that although his problem was a “small problem,” 20 children lost their lives. Wangchuk said he hoped the government would take “the right step,” and concluded the video by saying he was tired.
“The least we can do is solidarity.”
Dipki also took to social media and shared a video, asking students to come to Jantar Mantar and “stand in solidarity” with Wangchuk. “Someone is risking his life here seeking justice for students. The least we can do is come to Jantar Mantar and stand in solidarity,” Debke said.
Debke reiterated the demand for “justice for students who died by suicide” and for Pradhan’s resignation. He said Wangchuk was “determined” to stay at the protest site, and asked Debke not to worry about his health.
“…His condition is getting worse by the hour. But he is still determined to stay here. I told him that I am worried about his health. He told me that he will not leave this place. He said, don’t worry about my health. Just keep the constant fight going,” the CJP founder said.
Debke said Wangchuk “believes” in the country’s people. “…We will not stop until Mr. Dharmendra Pradhan resigns. That’s what he told me. He told me that because he believes in you,” Deepki added.
