Leaders and Citizens Urge Sonam Wangchuk to End Hunger Strike as Protest Enters 18th Day
Protest at Jantar Mantar enters its 18th day as leaders, academics and citizens urge Sonam Wangchuk to end his hunger strike amid growing health concerns over the demand for educational reforms.
Leaders and Citizens Urge Sonam Wangchuk to End Hunger Strike as Protest Enters 18th Day
Dharmendra Pradhan has rejected the demand and criticised the protest organizers.
CNB WORLD TIMES
New Delhi, 15th July: The protest demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan entered its 18th day at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on Wednesday, July 14, 2026. The demonstration witnessed a larger turnout compared to the previous day as more leaders, academics and citizens appealed to educationist and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk to end his indefinite hunger strike.
Sonam Wangchuk, who joined the protest on June 29, has been on a hunger strike for more than two weeks. According to the latest health bulletin, he has lost 8.2 kg. His blood pressure was recorded at 107/70, while his blood sugar level dropped to 67. His supporters have expressed concern over his deteriorating health and have urged him to call off the fast.
Despite growing health concerns, Wangchuk has remained firm in his decision. He said he intends to continue the hunger strike until he reaches what he believes is its logical conclusion. Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy of non-violent protest, Wangchuk said he is using the fast to draw the government's attention to the issue.
The protest was launched by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), an online satirical movement led by founder Abhijeet Dipke. The organisation is demanding educational reforms and has called for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan following the cancellation of a national medical entrance examination after an alleged paper leak.
Several students and activists are also participating in the hunger strike. One protester was admitted to hospital after his health condition worsened. Protest organisers said they remain concerned about the health of all participants, especially Wangchuk.
The protesters argue that the Education Minister should accept moral responsibility for the examination paper leak and step down. However, Dharmendra Pradhan has rejected the demand and criticised the protest organisers, saying they are attempting to disrupt the country's progress.
Hundreds of supporters have continued to gather at Jantar Mantar despite the intense summer heat in Delhi. More than 1,800 writers, academics, social activists and concerned citizens have signed an online petition requesting Wangchuk to end his hunger strike to safeguard his health.
Sonam Wangchuk is a renowned engineer, educationist and climate activist from Ladakh. He is internationally recognised for developing the "Ice Stupa" technology to conserve water in cold desert regions. He received the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2018 for his contributions to education and sustainable development.
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