Sonam Wangchuk Loses 11kg During Hunger Strike for Students
- Indian activist Sonam Wangchuk has lost 11kg after 26 days on a hunger strike, according to reporting from the BBC.
- The protest coincides with broader tensions over the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) and government crackdowns on demonstrators.
- Wangchuk's physical condition has deteriorated significantly over the nearly month-long strike.
Indian activist Sonam Wangchuk has lost 11kg after 26 days on a hunger strike, according to reporting from the BBC. Wangchuk is demanding that the Indian government spare students from legal action as a condition for ending his fast, as reported by NDTV.
The protest coincides with broader tensions over the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) and government crackdowns on demonstrators. The Telegraph reports that the Indian government made a midnight outreach to Wangchuk, suggesting he call off the fast and stating that the administration will consider his demands.
Wangchuk’s Demands and Health Status
Wangchuk’s physical condition has deteriorated significantly over the nearly month-long strike. He confirmed his survival and current state in a statement cited by the BBC, noting the 11kg weight loss.
The activist has linked the termination of his hunger strike to the legal status of students. According to NDTV, Wangchuk stated he will end the fast if the Centre ensures that students are not subjected to legal action.
Government Response and Political Pressure
The central government has attempted to negotiate an end to the protest. The Telegraph reported a midnight communication from officials urging Wangchuk to cease the hunger strike, with a promise that the government would consider the demands he has put forward.
The protest has drawn attention from high-profile political figures. The Times of India reports that Rahul Gandhi has demanded the exit of Dharmendra Pradhan over the controversies surrounding the NEET row, framing the issue as part of a larger failure in educational administration.
Reactions to Protest Crackdowns
The government’s handling of protests has prompted responses from other activists. Anna Hazare wrote a letter to the Prime Minister regarding the crackdown on protesters, stating that violence is never the solution, according to India Today.
The intersection of Wangchuk’s fast, the NEET examination disputes, and the government’s security response reflects a period of heightened friction between student activists and the central administration.