NEW DELHI: More than 60 prominent Indian personalities, including academics, authors, filmmakers, and civil society activists, have appealed to noted Ladakhi educationist and social activist Sonam Wangchuk to end his 20-day hunger strike.
The 59-year-old Wangchuk has been on an indefinite hunger strike in New Delhi for the past 20 days, consuming only water and salt, according to media reports.
Indian media reported that Wangchuk is protesting in support of the online campaign “Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)”, which is calling for education reforms. He is also demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET examination paper leak.
According to the reports, a joint appeal signed by more than 60 prominent figures urged Wangchuk to call off his fast. Among the signatories are Nobel Prize-winning economist Abhijit Banerjee, authors Amitav Ghosh, Arundhati Roy, and Kiran Desai, as well as filmmakers Zoya Akhtar and Vishal Bhardwaj.
In their statement, the signatories described Wangchuk as “the voice of our collective conscience” on the 20th day of his fast. They praised him as a steadfast defender of India’s environment and youth and urged him to preserve his health.
The appeal stated that Wangchuk’s sacrifice and determination had inspired people around the world and called on him to end the hunger strike. It also urged the Indian government to begin dialogue with him and recognize the public service values he represents.
According to the latest medical assessment cited by Indian media, Wangchuk has lost more than nine kilograms since the start of the protest. He remains under continuous medical supervision, with doctors warning that prolonging the hunger strike could lead to increasing muscle loss and damage to vital organs.
Despite the appeal and medical concerns, Sonam Wangchuk has refused to end his hunger strike, maintaining his protest and demands.
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