Activist Sonam Wangchuk, who was removed from Jantar Mantar by Delhi Police and hospitalized, has declared his intention to persist with his hunger strike, now on its 23rd day. In a handwritten note from Safdarjung Hospital, Wangchuk expressed his determination to continue fasting until student leaders are permitted to meet Parliamentarians or until he can meet them in the hospital. He emphasized the need for accountability from the Education Minister and urged for a resolution.
The protest at Jantar Mantar, led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), intensified following Wangchuk’s hospitalization, with demonstrators demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and reforms in the education system. Wangchuk’s supporters, while lauding his resolve, have raised concerns about his health and called for authorities to address the students’ grievances constructively.
Despite attempts by the police to prevent students from storming the Parliament building, the CJP members marched to amplify their demands for accountability and dialogue with Members of Parliament. Wangchuk, in a statement shared on social media platform X, commended the youth for their peaceful protest and urged the government and police to allow the students to present their concerns before Parliament.
The protests initially sparked in response to Chief Justice Surya Kant’s remarks likening unemployed activists to cockroaches and parasites, but have evolved into a broader movement. The momentum increased after the cancellation of the NEET medical entrance exam due to a leak, coupled with reports of student suicides.
