Environmental activist and education reform advocate Sonam Wangchuk has refused to end his indefinite hunger strike despite a meeting between Union Health and Family Welfare Minister J.P. Nadda and representatives of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP). From his hospital bed in New Delhi, Wangchuk announced that his protest would continue until the government's response meets his newly stated conditions.
Wangchuk was admitted to Safdarjung Hospital on Saturday after Delhi Police removed him from the protest site at Jantar Mantar. According to his wife, Geetanjali Angmo, doctors have repeatedly urged him to accept food, but he has declined both solid and liquid nourishment, continuing his fast in protest.
In a handwritten message shared through his wife on Monday, Wangchuk reaffirmed his support for the young protesters participating in the movement. He said he would not withdraw his fast until the youth leaders are either allowed to visit Parliament and meet Members of Parliament or are granted permission to meet him at the hospital.
He also expressed hope that the government would ensure accountability from the Education Minister and address the concerns raised by the protesters. Wangchuk praised the demonstrators for maintaining peace despite what he described as harsh treatment during the protests, urging authorities to resolve the issue without further delay.
Monday marked the beginning of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, leading to speculation that Wangchuk might call off his hunger strike. However, his latest statement has made it clear that he intends to continue the protest until his conditions are fulfilled. The development keeps the spotlight on the ongoing movement and the government's response to its demands.
