- Sonam Wangchuk issued his first video message from Gurugram's Medanta Hospital, declaring 'I am still alive' on the 25th day of his fast.
- Wangchuk stated he would end his fast if the government assures no police action, arrests or harassment of students who participated in the movement.
- He had lost 11 kg and considerable muscle mass but said he was "doing fine" and was admitted for medical observation on Tuesday night.
- He said around 65 MPs from different parties had written to him or met him personally, urging him to end his fast.
- Wangchuk praised students for their remarkable restraint despite being lathi-charged during the 'Chalo Sansad' march, which strengthened his resolve to continue the hunger strike.
Sonam Wangchuk, a prominent activist, is on day 25 of his hunger strike, demanding accountability in the Indian education system. Speaking from Medanta Hospital, he stated, "I am still alive" and has lost around 11 kg during the fast. He emphasized his willingness to end the strike if the government assures no police action against student protesters.125
Wangchuk, aged 59, has been fasting since June 28, advocating for reforms and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over issues like examination irregularities. He praised the students who participated in the 'Chalo Sansad' march, noting their restraint in the face of police violence, which strengthened his resolve to continue.
In a heartfelt video message, he expressed, "Many leaders, including ministers from the ruling party, have appealed to me to end my fast. I want to do that too because my work is important to me. But I request the government not to use force against students." He has received support from around 65 MPs who have urged him to conclude his fast.
Wangchuk's hunger strike has drawn significant attention to the ongoing protests against the education system, highlighting the need for reform and accountability. He remains firm in his stance, stating, "If I receive that assurance soon, I will end my hunger strike today itself. If not, I will unfortunately have to continue."
“Wangchuk demanded that the government assure no police action against student protesters, writing to Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh. He has lost 11 kg during the fast and said around 65 MPs from different parties have met or written to urge him to end it.”
