cjp-protest-day-22-wangchuk-says-hunger-has-stabilised

Climate activist and educator Sonam Wangchuk on Saturday said his health had "stabilised" after the initial days of his indefinite hunger strike, even as the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) protest over alleged examination irregularities entered its 22nd day at Jantar Mantar.

 

Wangchuk, who joined the agitation on June 28, is on the 14th day of his fast. According to a health update released by the organisers, he has lost 7.5 kg since the hunger strike began, while his blood pressure was recorded at 106/74 mm Hg.

 

In a video message shared on X, Wangchuk said he was feeling less energetic than on previous days but remained committed to the protest. "Some days are better and some are not," he said, adding that his body had now adjusted to the prolonged fast.

 

The activist also appealed to authorities not to forcibly remove him from the protest site, saying he was participating voluntarily and that any attempt to evict him would amount to a violation of his constitutional right to peaceful protest.

 

Wangchuk rejected comparisons with Mahatma Gandhi, saying he was "just an ordinary citizen" fulfilling his responsibilities rather than a hero or a "modern Gandhi."

Also read: CJP to march to Parliament as Wangchuk's fast enters Day 11

 

"I am neither Gandhi nor a hero. Please don't look for a hero in someone else. Be the hero of your own life," he said, urging citizens to actively participate in democratic processes instead of expecting others to lead every movement.

 

Referring to the student suicides that the CJP has linked to alleged examination irregularities, Wangchuk called on people across the country to support the campaign. He urged citizens to join the protest at Jantar Mantar for at least a day or observe a symbolic fast in their own cities if they were unable to travel to Delhi.

 

The CJP has announced a peaceful march to Parliament on July 20, coinciding with the opening day of the Monsoon Session, to press its demands. These include the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and ₹1 crore compensation for the families of students who allegedly died by suicide over examination-related irregularities.

 

The protest began on June 20, with Wangchuk joining eight days later. Despite the prolonged fast, he reiterated his resolve to continue the agitation until the concerns raised by the protesters receive a meaningful response.