New Delhi – Educator and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk entered the 15th day of his indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar on Saturday, joining the Cockroach Janta Party’s protest over alleged exam irregularities and student suicides. The Protest Wangchuk, 59, began fasting on June 28 in solidarity with CJP, a youth group that has been sitting in protest for 22 days. Their key demands: Resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET paper leaks that impacted millions of students in May 2025 Rs 1 crore compensation for families of students who died by suicide due to exam pressure CJP has announced a march to Parliament on July 20, the first day of the Monsoon Session. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, 30, said Wangchuk is “adamant to continue” despite his worsening health. Health Update Organizers said Wangchuk has lost 7.8 kg since the strike began. On Day 15, his BP was recorded at 104/66 mm Hg and he reported low energy. In a video message, he said he was feeling weak but remained determined. Another protester fainted on Monday and was hospitalized. “I Am Not Gandhi” Rejecting comparisons to Mahatma Gandhi, Wangchuk asked people to lead from where they are. “I am neither Gandhi nor a hero. I am just an ordinary citizen who has tried to fulfil my responsibilities,” he said, urging people to “be the hero of your own life”. He also asked supporters who cannot reach Delhi to show solidarity from their own cities.The protest has drawn support from actor Prakash Raj and political leaders from Kerala and Tripura. Background: Ladakh and NSA Detention This is Wangchuk’s second major confrontation with authorities this year. He was detained for 170 days under the NSA after the September 24, 2025 Ladakh protests in Leh, where 4 people died during demonstrations demanding Sixth Schedule status. He was released from Jodhpur Central Jail on March 14, 2026, with the Centre saying it would “facilitate dialogue” on Ladakh’s demands. Since then, Wangchuk has returned to teaching at HIAL and has been pushing for dialogue on protections for Ladakh. In June, Ladakh civil society groups including Wangchuk alleged the Centre was “backtracking” on a May 22 draft agreement on devolving powers to elected representatives. Post navigation 81 Lakh Women Dropped From Ladki Bahin Scheme After e-KYC, Says Minister; Oppn Alleges Poll Gimmick SC Directs Separate Space For Muslims Near Bhojshala For Friday Prayers, Calls Matter “Sensitive”
