Sonam Wangchuk on 20th day of hunger strike, health dire

Climate activist and educator Sonam Wangchuk entered the 20th day of an indefinite hunger strike in New Delhi on Friday, July 17, 2026, as doctors warned his deteriorating health has reached a critical stage. Wangchuk, 58, is demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and comprehensive reforms to the national examination system, citing alleged irregularities including the NEET paper leak controversy.

Wangchuk began his fast at Delhi's Jantar Mantar on June 28 in solidarity with the youth-led Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which has been protesting since June 20. His attending physician, Dr. Satish Lamba, reported that Wangchuk has lost over nine kilograms. A medical bulletin on July 17 stated his weight had dropped to 56.55 kg, a reduction of 350 grams in the previous 24 hours. Dr. Lamba said Wangchuk's body has entered a stage of prolonged starvation where muscle breakdown is occurring and cautioned that the next phase could involve organ damage, with a medical team maintaining 24-hour vigilance.

On July 16, the Delhi High Court directed authorities to monitor Wangchuk's health daily and provide necessary medical aid, observing that "the life of any...