July 19, 06:47

Sonam Wangchuk remains stable after hunger strike but requires constant monitoring

Activist Sonam Wangchuk is in stable condition, but he requires prolonged medical intervention and continuous monitoring following a long hunger strike, reported hospitals VMMC and Safdarjung on Sunday.

Circumstances of Hospitalization

Wangchuk was transferred to Safdarjung Hospital on Saturday after Delhi police removed him from the protest site near Jantar Mantar. The removal was based on medical recommendations and orders from the Delhi High Court. He was undertaking an indefinite hunger strike, demanding that Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resign over alleged irregularities in national examinations, including the leak of NEET test materials.

According to the health status bulletin, Wangchuk's vital signs are currently stable, although some blood parameters remain 'slightly altered' due to physiological stress and systemic effects of prolonged fasting. The bulletin emphasized that 'Shri Sonam Wangchuk is receiving necessary medical intervention at VMMC and Safdarjung hospitals. His vital signs are currently stable; however, his blood parameters remain slightly altered, and given the physiological stress and systemic effects of prolonged fasting, he requires constant medical care under the close observation of a multidisciplinary team of experts.'

The hospital added that constant treatment and round-the-clock clinical observation are necessary for the timely detection and management of any potential complications, despite the current stability of his condition. Treating teams of doctors from VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital, as well as AIIMS in New Delhi, concluded that continuous medical control and intervention are vital.

Wangchuk's personal physician, Dr. Nitin Dighe, questioned the assessment of the activist's condition made by the hospital and stated there was a lack of transparency in the provision of medical care. Dr. Dighe reported that his team has been conducting examinations for the past twenty days, but he and his lawyers were not allowed to meet with the patient. He noted that his wife is present and allowed to stay nearby. When he asked the staff about the reasons for hospitalization, they informed him of potassium deficiency. However, upon taking a blood sample yesterday at 3:00 PM, he found that the potassium level was normal (4.8, above the normal range of 3.5). Now, he is being told that the value has dropped. Furthermore, when his wife requests a report, it is not provided to her, which he finds suspicious, leading him to collect his own blood for analysis because they do not trust the government laboratory.

Dighe also mentioned that Wangchuk's spouse officially requested the hospital to discharge him as soon as possible and allow him to be transferred to another medical facility. After Wangchuk was removed from the protest site on Saturday, CJP founder Abhijit Dipke began an indefinite hunger strike, stating that the planned march to Parliament on July 20th will take place, and demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

timesofindia.indiatimes.comJuly 17, 17:24

Mehbooba Mufti criticizes the Centre for silence regarding Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike

PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti criticized the Centre, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Friday for its inaction regarding the prolonged hunger strike of educator and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk. The former head of Jammu and Kashmir accused the government of having a 'colonial mindset' for refusing dialogue with him.

Reasons for Wangchuk's protest

Wangchuk has been on an indefinite hunger strike for 20 days, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the leak of NEET examination materials. In a post on X, the former head of Jammu and Kashmir noted that 'the alarming scenes unfolding in Jantar Mantar, where Sonam Wangchuk risks his life for the future of our Generation Z, are reminiscent of the sacrifices made by our freedom fighters to liberate India from colonial rule. The British may have left, but the colonial mindset seems to persist.'

Criticism of the government

Expressing doubt about the Centre's silence on the protest, Mufti added that 'how else can one explain the indifference of a democratically elected government that remains so ruthless as to refuse to communicate with the youth in Jantar Mantar, the generation that will shape the future of India?'

Details of the protest action

The protest by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) in Jantar Mantar, Delhi, related to alleged irregularities in the NEET exam, began on June 20. Wangchuk joined the protests on June 28 and has not stopped his fast since. CJP demands the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan, as well as compensation of 1 crore rupees to the families of students who allegedly committed suicide due to the alleged exam irregularities. Furthermore, the organization called for a peaceful march to Parliament on July 20, which coincides with the first day of the Monsoon Session.

Health status and intentions

On Friday, Wangchuk stated that he 'will live until July 20 at all costs,' despite his fast reaching its twentieth day. Doctors warned that his prolonged fast had reached a critical stage, and the next phase could cause alarm, with a possibility of organ damage if the fast continues. Nevertheless, Wangchuk refused to end the fast, stating that stopping it without any response from the government would send the wrong signal.

timesofindia.indiatimes.comJuly 15, 07:20

CJP Leader Dipke Criticizes Government Over Silence Amid Sonam Vanchuk's 18th Day of Fasting

Abhijit Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janata Party, sharply criticized the Central government on Wednesday for its silence while Sonam Vanchuk continues his indefinite fast. The fast is aimed at alleged irregularities in examinations and the leakage of NEET materials, and today marks its eighteenth day.

Accusations Against the Government

In a post on the social media platform X, Dipke stated that the government has offered no response to an individual who has put his life at risk in the search for justice for students who have committed suicide. He added that the government is not only unaccountable but also cruel.

Calls to the Public

Dipke also addressed critics, insisting that instead of questioning why opposition leaders have not supported the CJP, people should focus on truly important issues. He emphasized that instead of questions about CJP support or why CJP team members are not fasting with Sonam, one should ask meaningful questions.

Questions for the Authorities

He highlighted why the Prime Minister refuses to engage in dialogue and why the Education Minister remains unaccountable. According to Dipke, these are the questions that require answers, not distractions that help those in power evade accountability.

Opposition Reaction

This statement came a day after several opposition leaders urged Vanchuk to end his indefinite fast at Jantark Mantar in Delhi. These leaders expressed concern over Vanchuk's deteriorating health but simultaneously affirmed their support for the protest related to alleged irregularities in NEET and other exams.

Political Figures' Stances

Chairman Akhilesh Yadav of the Samajwadi Party strongly requested Vanchuk to stop the fast, stating that his life is too valuable to risk in an attempt to convince the BJP-led government. Akhilesh also contacted Vanchuk by phone to inquire about his health and expressed open support for his party's protest. National Coordinator Arvind Kejriwal of the Aam Aadmi Party also called on Vanchuk to end the fast, while promising support for the protest.

Protest Details

Vanchuk joined the CJP-led demonstration at Jantark Mantar on June 28 and has been on an indefinite fast since then. The organization announced a march to Parliament scheduled for July 20. According to organizers, Vanchuk has lost 8.5 kg since the start of the fast on June 28, as reported by PTI.