Sonam Wangchuk, a prominent activist leading the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protests in Delhi, has been hospitalized in the ICU at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram after enduring a 26-day hunger strike. Before hospitalization, Wangchuk survived 21 days in Delhi's intense summer heat consuming only salt and water, resulting in an 11kg weight loss.

The protests, sparked by repeated exam paper leaks, have led to violent clashes in Delhi, injuring at least 60 protesters and 118 police officers. The unrest has intensified public anger and posed a challenge to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government.

Modi has not directly engaged with the protesters but posted a statement on X on Thursday, emphasizing the importance of youth welfare and announcing the establishment of fast-track courts to swiftly punish those involved in paper leaks. He stated, "Nothing is more important than the welfare and future of our youth," and warned that "Those who try to harm the future of our youth will not be spared."

However, a CJP spokesperson highlighted that the core issues remain unaddressed, questioning why paper leaks occur and who benefits from them. Ashutosh Ranka, another protest leader, said in a video on X, "You are applying medicine after an injury, but our struggle asks why the injury has to happen," signaling the protesters' resolve to continue until their demands are met.

Medanta Hospital confirmed Wangchuk is being treated by a multidisciplinary team, is currently stable and oriented, and that all treatments are administered with his informed consent. Authorities have requested him to end his fast and guide the youth in a constructive direction.

The protests and Wangchuk's hunger strike underscore ongoing tensions over educational integrity and governance in India.

Sources