Climate activist and educator Sonam Wangchuk's health is worsening as his indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar entered its 16th day on Monday. According to a health bulletin issued by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), Wangchuk has lost 8.2 kilograms since beginning the fast, and his blood glucose level has dropped to 67 mg/dL — a dangerously low reading. His blood pressure was recorded at 107/70 mm Hg.
The CJP, which is leading the protest over alleged examination irregularities, has urged the central government to address the demands, warning that "human lives are at stake." The protest itself has now completed 24 days.
Health crisis deepens as another activist hospitalised
Wangchuk's fast is part of a larger demonstration by the CJP. In a related development, All India Students' Association (AISA) activist Deepak was admitted to Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital after his health deteriorated following 16 days of fasting.
According to National Herald, the protest over alleged examination irregularities has drawn support from opposition leaders as concerns grow over the health of the hunger strikers.
CJP urges Centre to act before it's too late
The CJP has been vocal about the urgency of the situation. In a statement, the party warned that the fast should not turn into a "battle of egos" and called on the Centre to intervene.
As reported by The Federal, the CJP urged the government to not let the situation escalate further, stressing that lives are at risk.
"Don't turn this into a battle of egos." — CJP, as quoted by The Federal
The CJP's protest, which began over alleged irregularities in examinations, has now entered its 24th day. Wangchuk's fast, which started separately, has been running parallel to the larger demonstration.
Our Take: This is a medical emergency, not a political standoff
To put it plainly, the situation has moved beyond a simple protest. When a person loses 8.2 kg in 16 days and their blood sugar drops to 67 mg/dL, it is a medical emergency. The CJP is right to warn that lives are at stake — because they are.
In our view, the central government must step in immediately. Whether or not one agrees with the demands, no protest should be allowed to reach a point where someone's life is in danger. The "battle of egos" comment from the CJP is telling — this should not be about who blinks first. It should be about preventing a tragedy.
The hospitalisation of another activist, Deepak, only reinforces the urgency. The authorities need to act now, before it is too late.
