Activist Sonam Wangchuk has firmly rejected repeated appeals to end his indefinite hunger strike, saying he will continue his fast until the government gives a meaningful response. Instead of asking him to break his fast, he urged people to join a peaceful march to Parliament on July 20.
Sonam Wangchuk refuses to break hunger strike despite appeals
In a video message released late on Wednesday, the 18th day of his fast, Wangchuk made it clear that ending the protest without any action from the authorities would defeat the purpose of the agitation. "If I eat, what message will go? The message to the government will be that there is no need for accountability. Protesters sit and leave," he said, questioning what would change if he called off the fast now.
According to DT Next, Wangchuk said he had received thousands of messages urging him to end the hunger strike and that several political leaders had met him out of concern. He also revealed that some supporters had approached the courts seeking intervention.
Wangchuk calls for July 20 march to Parliament instead
Rather than asking him to break his fast, Wangchuk urged people to strengthen the Cockroach Janta Party's proposed Parliament march on July 20. He said students in schools and colleges should participate "in a real lesson in political science and democracy."
According to Deccan Herald, Wangchuk described his condition as "not in good shape but not so bad either," while making it clear he would not end the fast.
"Rather than asking me to break my fast please join me on 20th July... Peaceful March to the Parliament." — Sonam Wangchuk, as reported by Reddit
Our Take: A clear message of defiance and strategy
Sonam Wangchuk's refusal to end his hunger strike sends a strong signal. He is not just protesting — he is testing whether the government will respond to sustained pressure. By redirecting public energy toward the July 20 march, he is also building a larger movement beyond his personal fast.
In our view, this is a calculated move. Wangchuk knows that ending the fast without any concession would weaken the cause. By linking his personal sacrifice to a mass mobilization, he is trying to force the government's hand. Whether this strategy works will depend on how many people actually show up on July 20.
