Sonam Wangchuk vows to continue hunger strike till July 20 despite critical health warning

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, Jul 17, 2026: Educator and activist Sonam Wangchuk on Friday declared that he would remain alive "at any cost" until July 20, as his indefinite hunger strike entered its 20th day despite doctors warning that his health has reached a critical stage.

Addressing supporters at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, Wangchuk acknowledged that his physical condition had weakened but said his determination remained firm.

"I am weak from the outside but very strong inside. We need this energy for July 20, when we will take out a peaceful march to Parliament and present our plea in the temple of democracy," he said.

In a lighter moment, Wangchuk told the gathering, "I will stay alive till July 20 at any cost. If you don’t come and July 20 is not successful, I will come back as a ghost," drawing loud cheers from the crowd.

Doctors monitoring Wangchuk said on Thursday that his prolonged fast had entered a critical phase and warned that continued fasting could lead to organ damage. However, Wangchuk has refused to end the hunger strike, saying that doing so without any response from the government would send the wrong message.

He urged supporters to focus on making the planned Parliament march on July 20 a success.

The matter has also reached the Delhi High Court, which directed authorities to monitor Wangchuk’s health daily and ensure immediate medical assistance if his condition worsens.

Meanwhile, the All India Students’ Association (AISA), affiliated with the CPI(ML) Liberation, said three of its members—Neha, Manish and Aameen—who are also on an indefinite hunger strike at a separate protest site, have reached severe stages of health deterioration.

According to AISA, Aameen faces the risk of hypovolemic shock due to dehydration, Neha’s blood sugar level has dropped to a dangerous 49 mg/dL, and Manish has lost more than 10 per cent of his body weight.

Despite their condition, the student organisation said its members would continue the protest in solidarity with Wangchuk until the government responds.

The protest, organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) over alleged examination irregularities, entered its 28th day on Friday.

The CJP has demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Rs 1 crore compensation for the families of students who allegedly died by suicide due to the examination irregularities.

The organisation has also called for a peaceful march to Parliament on July 20, coinciding with the opening day of the Monsoon Session.