Climate activist and education reform advocate Sonam Wangchuk's health continued to deteriorate on Thursday as he entered the 11th day of his indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, while the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) announced a peaceful march to Parliament on July 20 to press its demands over alleged examination irregularities.
According to the latest medical bulletin, Wangchuk has lost more than seven kilograms since beginning his fast, with his weight dropping to 59.40 kg. Doctors are closely monitoring his condition as concerns grow over the prolonged protest.
The CJP-led agitation, which entered its 19th day, is demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and greater accountability over alleged examination irregularities and repeated paper leaks.
The protest also took a toll on other demonstrators, with an AISA member participating in the agitation being hospitalised after his health reportedly deteriorated. Organisers, however, said the protest would continue despite mounting health concerns.
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Parliament march on July 20
Announcing the next phase of the agitation, the CJP said it would organise a peaceful march from Jantar Mantar to Parliament on July 20, the opening day of the Monsoon Session, to demand accountability for repeated failures in the examination system.
CJP spokesperson Vijeta Dhaiya said the government had failed to respond to the protesters' demand for the resignation of the Union Education Minister, prompting the decision to intensify the movement.
"We want to move closer to the government so that they hear us loud and clear," she said.
Appealing to supporters across the country, Wangchuk urged students, parents and citizens to join the march.
"If you truly want me to stay alive, don't just send messages from your homes. Come to Delhi and join me in a peaceful march to Parliament. Together, we can ensure that our voices are heard where laws are made," he said.
The CJP said the march would be held in memory of students who allegedly lost their lives due to repeated failures of the examination system and that participants would seek accountability from lawmakers. The Union government has not yet issued a response to the latest developments or the protesters' demands.
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