Day 16 at Jantar Mantar: Sonam Wangchuk Loses 6 Kg as Hunger Strike Enters Day 8

The protest led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) over alleged irregularities in India's examination system entered its 16th day at Jantar Mantar on Sunday, with climate activist Sonam Wangchuk completing the eighth day of his indefinite hunger strike. As the agitation gathered wider support, doctors confirmed that Wangchuk has lost around six kilograms since beginning his fast.

According to a medical bulletin, Wangchuk's condition remains stable despite the weight loss. His blood pressure was recorded at 112/70 mm Hg , heart rate at 72 beats per minute , and blood sugar level at 67 mg/dL . Doctors said he was mentally alert and adequately hydrated, although his weight has dropped to 60.95 kg , reflecting the physical toll of the prolonged fast.

The CJP continues to demand the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan , accusing the government of failing to prevent repeated examination irregularities and paper leaks. The party argues that such incidents have severely impacted the future of thousands of students and eroded public trust in the country's examination system.

The protest witnessed an emotional moment on Sunday when the parents of NEET aspirant Riya Kumari Thapa visited the demonstration site. The CJP claims the student died after the alleged NEET paper leak shattered her dream of becoming a doctor. Her father, an Army veteran, appealed to the government to ensure that no family suffers a similar tragedy.

The controversy stems from the NEET examination held on May 3 , which was cancelled following allegations of a paper leak. A fresh examination was conducted on June 21 .

Support for the agitation continues to grow. The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) has announced that a delegation will visit the protest site on July 7 , reaffirming its solidarity with students demanding a transparent and credible examination system.

Meanwhile, members of the All India Students' Association (AISA) are continuing their own indefinite hunger strike at a separate stage. Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU) joint secretary Danish Ali was hospitalized on Saturday after her blood sugar level reportedly fell to 46 mg/dL , while several other student protesters remain on an indefinite fast.

The protest, which began on June 20 , has drawn support from student organisations, activists, farmers' groups and political leaders, keeping pressure on the government to address concerns over examination reforms and accountability.