SRINAGAR: Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has lost nearly six kilograms since beginning his indefinite hunger strike, which entered its eighth day on Sunday, as the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) protest at Jantar Mantar demanding Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation and accountability over alleged examination irregularities completed 16 days.
According to a health bulletin issued by doctors, Wangchuk’s blood pressure was recorded at 112/70 mm Hg while lying down, his heart rate stood at 72 beats per minute and his blood sugar level was 67 mg/dL. Doctors said he remains mentally alert with fair hydration, while his weight has dropped to 60.95 kg — a loss of around six kg in a week.
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The CJP has continued its protest against alleged paper leaks and irregularities in competitive examinations, claiming that such incidents have affected the future of thousands of students and their families.
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, in a post on X, said the parents of NEET aspirant Riya Kumari Thapa, who the outfit claims died after her dreams were shattered following the alleged paper leak, visited the protest site on Sunday.
Dipke said Thapa’s father, an Army veteran, joined the protest and appealed to the government to ensure that no other family suffers a similar tragedy.
The CJP said it stands with Thapa’s family in their fight against what it called a system that failed students.
The National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET), conducted for admission to medical colleges, was cancelled after allegations of a paper leak. A re-test was later conducted.
Meanwhile, the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), which has extended support to the agitation, is expected to send a delegation to Jantar Mantar on July 7. The farmers’ body said students have the right to a fair, transparent and credible examination system, adding that ensuring accountability remains the responsibility of the government.
Several members of the Left-affiliated All India Students’ Association (AISA) also continued their indefinite hunger strike on a separate stage at the protest venue.
Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union (JNUSU) joint secretary Danish Ali was admitted to Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital on Saturday after her blood sugar level reportedly dropped to 46 mg/dL on the seventh day of fasting. Other protesters, including Neha, Manish, Hrishikesh, Deepak Kumar Verma and Aameen, continued their hunger strike.
The CJP protest began on June 20 against alleged irregularities in the country’s examination system and has since received support from political leaders, activists and civil society groups.
