On 13th Day of Fast, Sonam Wangchuk Says Hunger Has 'Stabilised', Defends Right to Protest

Educator and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk on Friday said his hunger had "stabilised" as he entered the 13th day of his indefinite fast , while asserting that any attempt to remove him from the protest site would violate his constitutional rights.

Wangchuk has been fasting at Jantar Mantar in support of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) agitation, which entered its 21st day on Friday. The protesters are demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and accountability over alleged examination irregularities.

Speaking to reporters, Wangchuk said the initial days of fasting were the most difficult as the body adjusted to the change. Though he had lost both fat and muscle and his bones were beginning to show, he said he continued to feel energetic despite some tiredness.

Addressing speculation about possible administrative intervention if his health worsened, Wangchuk said he was participating in the protest voluntarily and posed no threat to himself. He stressed that peaceful protest was a fundamental democratic right protected under Article 19 of the Constitution , adding that the country and the world were watching how that right was being respected.

Wangchuk said his fast was intended to support students seeking accountability in the examination controversy and to push for an early resolution of issues concerning Ladakh . He described the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament as an appropriate opportunity to conclude the ongoing discussions related to the region.

Referring to the reported student suicides allegedly linked to the NEET-UG controversy, Wangchuk said the movement aimed to prevent such tragedies from recurring. He also argued that accepting Pradhan's resignation before Parliament convenes could help the government regain the confidence of young people.

CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka said Wangchuk had lost around 7.5 kg , his blood sugar levels remained consistently low, and a medical team was closely monitoring his condition. The outfit reiterated its demands, including Pradhan's resignation and Rs 1 crore compensation for families of students who died by suicide, and said it would proceed with a proposed march to Parliament on July 20 if the government did not initiate talks.