As the Cockroach Janta Party protests entered their 19th day and Sonam Wangchuk completed an 11-day hunger strike, the activist called for a peaceful protest march on July 20, the day the monsoon session of Parliament begins. In his new appeal, Wangchuk urged people to “do more” for the movement.
The CJP is holding a protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and accountability over the NEET-UG paper leak scam and student suicides in connection with it.
“Thank you for all your messages to stop my hunger strike, but this will not help the 20 students who committed suicide and it will not help protect the mountains of Ladakh or the rivers of India,” Wangchuk said in a video message posted on X. The activist then called on people to join the march from Jantar Mantar to Parliament on July 20.
“Therefore, you should come to Delhi and join me in this peaceful march. Let me know if you are ready to do so,” he said. Wangchuk began his hunger strike 11 days ago, with doctors reporting that he has lost more than seven kilograms since then, news agency PTI reported.
The knockout is ‘easy’, but it won’t stop suicide: Wangchuk
Wangchuk said in the video that “hundreds” had sent him messages from all over the country to end the hunger strike, adding that this would be an “easy thing” for him. “But will this stop student suicide? Or next year, 40, and then 80, children will die by suicide?” question.
The activist assured people that he is determined to continue for at least the next ten days. “Right now, I can say that in the next 10 to 12 days, my health will not be affected at all. I can stay strong. After that, my health could deteriorate,” he added.
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Wangchuk then called on people to contribute more to the movement. “…If you really want me to stay alive, instead of sending me messages from the couch at home, you can do more. We can all do something together, so this doesn’t happen,” he said.
He added that “the best place” for this is the House of Representatives, because “it is where decisions are made, discussions are held, and policies are made.” He said this would bring “a lot” of changes. “Then I will believe that my country and my life will be saved as well,” Wangchuk said.
According to the health bulletin shared on Wednesday, Wangchuk’s weight was recorded at 59.40 kg, with blood pressure at 103/68 mmHg in a sitting position and 111/73 mmHg while lying down. His heart rate was 74 beats per minute, blood sugar level was 75 mg/dL, and oxygen saturation was 98 percent.
