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Indian activist urged to end hunger strike as he loses 9.1kg in 19 days
BBC • • world
Key Points:
- Indian activist Sonam Wangchuk has lost 9.1kg over 19 days on an indefinite hunger strike, subsisting only on salt water, raising serious health concerns among supporters and medical professionals.
- Wangchuk is protesting in support of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan following the cancellation of a key medical entrance exam due to a paper leak.
- The Delhi High Court is set to hear a petition seeking urgent medical intervention for Wangchuk, with warnings that he may die within two days if not treated, while calls from politicians, artists, and activists urge him to end his fast.
- Despite widespread appeals, including from opposition leaders and prominent public figures, Wangchuk remains determined to continue his hunger strike, stating he intends to see it through to its "logical conclusion."
- The government has not engaged with the protesters, and a petition criticizes authorities for treating Wangchuk "like a hardcore criminal," emphasizing the potential national shame if he dies during the protest.
