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🇮🇳 India /Environment & Climate

Government's silence on hunger strike prompts appeals for activist Sonam Wangchuk to end fast

From Hindustan Times · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk continues his indefinite hunger strike for the 17th day, demanding dialogue with the government.
  • Wangchuk has lost over 8 kgs and is experiencing significant pain, prompting appeals from political leaders to end his fast.
  • Leaders from various parties have expressed solidarity with Wangchuk's protest, urging the government to address his demands for accountability.

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk is on the 17th day of an indefinite hunger strike, with calls growing for him to end the protest due to his deteriorating health. Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), shared an update on Wangchuk's condition, noting significant muscle mass loss and immense pain.

Don’t ask me to end my fast. Ask the government why they won’t even have a dialogue.

— Sonam WangchukWangchuk's response when urged by Abhijeet Dipke to end his hunger strike.

Dipke recounted urging Wangchuk to stop his fast, to which the activist replied, "Don't ask me to end my fast. Ask the government why they won’t even have a dialogue." Wangchuk's protest, which began on June 28, is linked to the CJP's 25-day demonstration against Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

He has started losing muscle mass and is in immense pain.

— Abhijeet DipkeDipke's update on Wangchuk's health during his hunger strike.

On Tuesday, Wangchuk's blood pressure was recorded at 107/70 mm Hg, and he had lost 8.2 kgs since the strike began. Dipke appealed to the government not to turn the situation into a "battle of egos," emphasizing that human lives are at stake and that acknowledging mistakes shows maturity and accountability.

I request the Govt not to turn this into a battle of egos as human lives are at stake here. Acknowledging a mistake is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign of maturity, accountability, and the willingness to correct course.

— Abhijeet DipkeDipke's appeal to the government regarding Wangchuk's protest.

Wangchuk and the CJP have garnered support from across the political spectrum. TMC leader Mahua Moitra urged Wangchuk to call off his fast, stating his goal of uniting the country's youth for justice has been achieved and that his life matters. An AAP delegation, led by former Delhi Chief Minister Atishi, visited the protest site, as did former Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and CPI(M) leaders, all of whom expressed solidarity while also appealing for Wangchuk to end his hunger strike.

Sonam Sir, your fast has united this country’s youth in their war for justice. Your goal is reached. Govt doesn’t care about your life or that of crores of youth. But your life matters to us. Pls call off fast & continue the fight.

— Mahua MoitraTMC leader Mahua Moitra's appeal to Sonam Wangchuk.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hindustan Times in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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