Sonam Wangchuk Loses Over 7 Kg as Hunger Strike Enters 11th Day, Health Worsens

Educator and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk's health deteriorated further on Wednesday as he completed the 11th day of his indefinite hunger strike , with doctors reporting that he has lost more than 7 kilograms since beginning the fast at Jantar Mantar .

According to the latest medical bulletin, Wangchuk now weighs 59.40 kg , marking a weight loss of over seven kilograms. His blood pressure was recorded at 103/68 mm Hg while sitting and 111/73 mm Hg while lying down. His heart rate stood at 74 beats per minute, blood glucose level at 75 mg/dL, and oxygen saturation at 98 per cent. Doctors said his hydration remained fair and that he continued to be mentally alert despite the prolonged fast.

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest, which entered its 19th day , is demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and accountability over alleged examination irregularities and paper leaks. The party has accused the government of failing to protect students affected by repeated exam controversies.

On Tuesday, the CJP welcomed the Delhi High Court's order restoring its original X account, which had been withheld since May. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke described the verdict as a significant victory for the movement, free speech and digital rights.

The protest also received support from a delegation of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) , which reiterated demands for Pradhan's resignation, the scrapping of the National Testing Agency (NTA) , compensation for families of students who died by suicide, and action against those responsible for the alleged examination irregularities.

Meanwhile, members of the All India Students' Association (AISA) continued a parallel indefinite hunger strike at the protest site.

Background:

The CJP launched the protest on June 20 following alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG 2026 examination. The May 3 exam was cancelled over an alleged paper leak, and a re-test was conducted on June 21 , intensifying demands for sweeping reforms in India's examination system.