Education activist and engineer Sonam Wangchuk’s indefinite hunger strike in Delhi has entered a critical stage, with doctors warning of possible health complications after significant weight loss. A court has directed authorities to closely monitor his condition as protests over examination reforms continue…reports Asian Lite News Desk
Education activist and engineer Sonam Wangchuk’s indefinite hunger strike in Delhi has entered a critical stage, with doctors warning that his health could deteriorate further if the fast continues.
Wangchuk began his hunger strike at Jantar Mantar on 28 June, demanding accountability over alleged failures in India’s education system and calling for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan following concerns over examination irregularities.
After nearly three weeks without food, Wangchuk has lost more than nine kilograms, with doctors saying his body has entered a stage of severe starvation. Medical experts have warned of risks including muscle loss, weakness, electrolyte imbalance and possible impact on vital organs.
A medical bulletin said Wangchuk’s weight had fallen to 56.9 kg. Doctors reported that his ketone levels had increased as his body began using stored energy, while high uric acid levels indicated muscle breakdown.
Dr Satish Lamba, who has been monitoring Wangchuk’s condition, said the next stage of deterioration could be serious.
“The next stage can be alarming. Organs can be impacted. We are keeping him under 24×7 vigilance and hope it does not reach that stage,” he said.
He also urged government intervention, saying: “I urge the government to intervene as soon as possible because he is a precious gem and we do not want to lose him. If organs get impacted, it can be really alarming for us.”
The Delhi High Court has directed authorities to clinically monitor Wangchuk’s health every day, stating that the life of every citizen is valuable and all efforts should be made to protect it.
A division bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia ordered that any medical intervention recommended by government doctors should be provided without delay.
The court’s directions came after a public interest litigation raised concerns over Wangchuk’s worsening health during the prolonged fast.
Despite the warnings, Wangchuk has refused to call off his protest, saying ending the hunger strike without a response from the government would send the wrong message. He has instead urged supporters to strengthen a planned Parliament march scheduled for 20 July.
The protest is being led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a youth-led movement founded on 16 May by Abhijeet Dipke. The group emerged following anger over the education system and concerns around examination processes.
The movement gained momentum after the cancellation of a major medical entrance examination following allegations of a paper leak. The issue affected millions of students preparing for admission to medical colleges.
Since 6 June, protesters have gathered at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, with support coming from students, parents, academics, senior citizens and social media activists.
Several student organisations, including the Krantikari Yuva Sangathan, All India Students’ Association and Students’ Federation of India, have joined the demonstrations.
Opposition leaders have also expressed support for the protest. Former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal visited the protest site and backed the demand for the Education Minister’s resignation. Farmer leader Rakesh Tikait also visited the demonstration and extended support.
The Congress has supported calls for accountability over examination issues while appealing to Wangchuk to end his fast due to his declining health.
Congress general secretary KC Venugopal said the party shared concerns over alleged failures in the examination system and urged Wangchuk to end the hunger strike while promising continued political opposition to the government.
Wangchuk, who is known for his environmental campaigns in Ladakh, has previously faced confrontation with authorities. Last year, he was arrested in Ladakh over allegations linked to protests, though charges were later dropped.
As the hunger strike continues, pressure is growing on the government to respond to the protesters’ demands, while concerns remain over Wangchuk’s deteriorating health.
