Sonam Wangchuk Sets Three Conditions to End Fast
Activist Sonam Wangchuk has outlined three circumstances under which he would end his prolonged hunger strike over alleged failures in India’s education system, including examination paper leaks.
Wangchuk Seeks Education System Accountability
In a handwritten letter shared from Safdarjung Hospital, Wangchuk said he would end his fast if the Union government accepted accountability for recent failures in the education system, particularly alleged paper leaks.
Wangchuk began his hunger strike at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on June 28 in support of a protest demanding greater transparency and accountability over examination irregularities. The demonstrators have also sought the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
The activist said his fast would continue until after the planned “Sansad Chalo” march unless one of his stated conditions was fulfilled.
Parliament Assurance Could End Fast
Wangchuk said he would also consider ending his hunger strike if he and the Cockroach Janta Party leadership reached Parliament and received assurances from MPs and political leaders that education accountability would be raised during the Monsoon Session.
As a third alternative, he said that if his health or other circumstances prevented him from joining the march, political leaders could visit him at Safdarjung Hospital and provide the same assurance.
His wife, Gitanjali Angmo, similarly said he was prepared to end the fast if leaders committed to making education accountability and reforms a significant issue during the parliamentary session.
Wangchuk Remains Under Hospital Care
Police moved Wangchuk from Jantar Mantar to Safdarjung Hospital on July 18, the 21st day of his hunger strike, after doctors raised concerns about his deteriorating health.
The Delhi High Court had directed authorities to act on medical advice to protect his life. Wangchuk described his hospitalisation as an “illegal detention” and claimed that his movement and communication were restricted.
Doctors have reported that he remains stable but weak and continues to receive electrolyte therapy while under observation.
