Jantar Mantar protest: Sonam Wangchuk’s health worsens on Day 11 of fast as NEET-UG stir enters Day 19

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has lost over 7kg on the 11th day of his indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, as parallel student protests demanding the Education Minister's resignation and the dissolution of the NTA enter their third week

New Delhi: Educator and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk’s condition deteriorated further on Wednesday as doctors examining him reported a loss of over 7 kilograms in his weight on the 11th day of his indefinite fast at Jantar Mantar.

The Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) protest at the protest site demanding Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation and government accountability over alleged examination irregularities entered its 19th day.

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According to a health bulletin issued on Wednesday morning, Wangchuk’s weight has dropped to 59.40 kilograms, taking his total weight loss since the start of the hunger strike to more than 7 kilograms.

His blood pressure was recorded at 103/68 mm Hg in the sitting position and 111/73 mm Hg while lying down. His heart rate was 74 beats per minute, blood glucose level 75 mg/dL and oxygen saturation was 98 per cent. The bulletin said his hydration was fair and that he remained mentally alert.

The CJP has been demanding Pradhan’s resignation, alleging that repeated examination irregularities and paper leaks have devastated the lives of students and their families.

On Tuesday, the outfit welcomed the Delhi High Court’s order restoring its original X handle, which had been withheld in May. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke termed the order a “big win” for the movement, free speech and digital rights.

A delegation of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) also visited the protest site on Tuesday to express solidarity with the agitation and reiterated support for the protesters’ demands, including Pradhan’s resignation, scrapping of the National Testing Agency (NTA), compensation to families of students who died by suicide and action against those responsible for the alleged examination irregularities.

Meanwhile, members of the CPI(ML) Liberation-affiliated All India Students’ Association (AISA) — Neha, Manish, Hrishikesh, Deepak Kumar Verma and Aameen — continued their indefinite hunger strike on a separate stage at the protest site.

The National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (Undergraduate), or NEET-UG, for admission to medical colleges, held on May 3, was cancelled over allegations of a paper leak. A re-test was held on June 21.

The CJP protest began on June 20 over alleged irregularities in the country’s examination system and has since drawn support from several political leaders, activists and civil society members.