Activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on a hunger strike for 26 days and lost 11 kilograms, announced Wednesday night that he remains committed to his protest unless the government provides assurance against forceful or retaliatory actions targeting students.
In a video statement from a hospital bed, Wangchuk expressed his desire to end the fast, noting appeals from various leaders, including government ministers. "I want to do that too because my work is important to me," he stated. However, he emphasized that his decision to continue is contingent on receiving a concrete assurance from the government regarding the safety of students involved in protests.
Wangchuk commended the students for their restraint during a recent crackdown, where they faced baton charges without retaliation. "Seeing the brutal action against them, I decided to continue my hunger strike," he said.
The protest, organized by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), centers on demands for the resignation of Minister Pradhan, whom students blame for repeated leaks of major public examinations, most recently a medical entrance test. While Wangchuk's recent statements did not explicitly mention Pradhan's resignation, the CJP maintains it is a non-negotiable demand.
On Monday, tens of thousands of CJP supporters marched through central Delhi as the monsoon session of parliament opened. Clashes erupted between protesters and police, resulting in at least 60 protesters and 118 police officers injured. Police used batons and tear gas to disperse the crowds and arrested 70 protesters, most of whom have since been released on bail. Authorities also dismantled protest stages and tents at Jantar Mantar, though demonstrators continue a round-the-clock sit-in under heavy security.
Authorities have also closed 16 metro stations in central Delhi since Wednesday, a move protesters claim is intended to prevent people from reaching the protest site at Jantar Mantar.
