Three days after climate activist Sonam Wangchuk launched an indefinite hunger strike backing the ongoing protest by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), he shared a health update, stating that he has lost around two kilograms. A medical check-up further revealed a drop in his blood sugar and blood pressure levels.
Wangchuk launched the hunger strike on Sunday, June 28, last week, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan in connection with the deaths linked to the NEET-UG paper leak.
In a video shared on X, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke stated that Wangchuk’s condition was "deteriorating with every passing hour" and expressed serious concern about his health. Nevertheless, Wangchuk stayed resolute in continuing his hunger strike, insisting he is "fine now" though he admitted feeling "tired." Dipke called on people to come to Jantar Mantar in Delhi, where Wangchuk is observing the fast, and demonstrate their support for the campaign.
‘If millions of children are happy, then this is a cheap deal’
In a video posted on X, Wangchuk stated that he had lost "around 2 kg" in weight and that his blood pressure had fallen "slightly." "I will need to increase my intake of water and salt because dehydration occurs in the summer. And I had mentioned my sugar levels earlier. I had explained that when you stop eating, your blood sugar level goes down," Wangchuk said.
“In my view, this is still normal. But if it continues for a longer period, the body begins to consume muscle after it has used up fat,” the activist said, describing it as a “lengthy process”. He nevertheless asserted that he was “feeling better” and was “okay”.
“Yes, there are certain issues. But if my difficulties can bring happiness to millions of children, then it is a small price to pay,” Wangchuk said. He described his own situation as a “minor problem” compared to the 20 children who had lost their lives. Wangchuk expressed hope that the government would “make the right decision,” and ended the video by saying that he was exhausted.
‘Least we can do is stand in solidarity’
Dipke also turned to social media, posting a video in which he urged students to gather at Jantar Mantar and "stand in solidarity" with Wangchuk. "Someone is putting their life on the line here to secure justice for students. The very least we can do is go to Jantar Mantar and stand in solidarity," Dipke stated.
Dipke repeated the call for “justice for students who have died by suicide” and for Pradhan’s resignation. He said Wangchuk was determined to remain at the protest site and had assured Dipke not to worry about his health.
He is deteriorating by the hour, yet he remains resolute about staying here. I told him I am worried about his health, but he insisted he will not leave. He said, 'Do not worry about my health. Just keep the battle going,' the CJP founder stated.
Dipke stated that Wangchuk has faith in the country’s citizens. “We will not stop our efforts until Mr. Dharmendra Pradhan steps down. That is what he told me, and he told me this because he trusts you,” Dipke remarked.
