India activist urged to end hunger strike as he risks organ failure

Calls are mounting for Indian education activist Sonam Wangchuk to end his 20-day hunger strike as his health deteriorates. Wangchuk, 59, has been surviving on salt water in New Delhi's heat, protesting a canceled medical entrance exam due to a paper leak that affected millions of students.

Doctors attending to Wangchuk warn that his condition is critical, with a significant risk of organ damage if the strike continues. The Delhi High Court has intervened, requesting the government to monitor his health and provide necessary treatment.

The protest, organized by the satirical Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), began as an online movement against remarks by the chief justice. The CJP has now launched a physical sit-in at Jantar Mantar, Delhi's designated protest site, demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and systemic changes for exam transparency.

Wangchuk and CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke plan to march to the Indian parliament on July 20 if their demands are not met. Despite his physical weakness, Wangchuk remains resolute, stating his determination to continue until July 20.

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I am weak from the outside but very strong inside … I will stay alive till July 20