Climate activist and educator Sonam Wangchuk said on Friday that his hunger had "stabilised" after 13 days of fasting, while insisting that any attempt to forcibly remove him from the protest site would amount to a violation of his constitutional right to peaceful assembly.
Wangchuk has been observing an indefinite fast at Jantar Mantar in support of the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) agitation demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged examination irregularities. The protest entered its 21st day on Friday.
Addressing reporters, Wangchuk said he had adjusted to the prolonged fast and was managing despite its physical toll.
"Today is the 13th day (of the fast). I am feeling okay. My hunger has stabilised. The initial days are difficult as the body adjusts to fasting. There is some tiredness, but otherwise I am fine," he said.
He acknowledged that the fast had resulted in noticeable weight and muscle loss but said his energy levels remained intact.
"I have lost muscle along with fat. My bones are beginning to show, but I still feel energetic," Wangchuk said.
Asked whether authorities could intervene if his health deteriorated, Wangchuk said he was participating in the protest of his own free will and saw no reason for any forced removal.
"I don't know why they should try to remove me. I am here willingly and there is no threat to my life. If they remove me, it will be a violation of our rights," he said.
He added, "We are holding a peaceful protest. The country and the world are watching the state of our democracy. This is not a favour. It is our right. We have the right to hold a peaceful protest under Article 19, and I hope that right continues to be respected."
Wangchuk said his fast was intended to support students seeking accountability over the alleged examination irregularities, while also urging the Centre to resolve pending issues related to Ladakh.
"I am standing here in support of the students, for accountability in issues related to education. The issue of Ladakh has also progressed through talks, and now it should be brought to a conclusion. The Monsoon Session is a very good time to finalise it," he said.
Referring to student suicides linked to the cancellation of the NEET-UG examination in May, he said the protest was aimed at preventing similar tragedies in the future.
"As you know, 20 students have committed suicide. It should not happen that next year the number rises to 40 or 80. We are sitting here to prevent such situations," he said.
Wangchuk also argued that accepting Pradhan's resignation before the Monsoon Session would help the government restore the confidence of young people.
"If they accept the education minister's resignation, they may become popular among the youth again. Right now there is a lot of anger among young people, which will harm them politically. They should do it for their own benefit before Parliament meets. If they don't, we will do whatever else we have to do," he said.
CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka said Wangchuk had lost about 7.5 kg since beginning his fast and that his blood sugar levels continued to remain low.
"As the days go by, his energy is decreasing. He has considerable weakness while walking and finds it difficult to speak. It is a deteriorating situation. Our medical team is closely monitoring him, and we hope the government will listen to us soon," Ranka said.
Ranka reiterated the organisation's key demands, including Pradhan's resignation and compensation of Rs 1 crore for the families of students who allegedly died by suicide. He said the government had not opened any dialogue with the protesters and warned that the CJP would proceed with its planned march to Parliament on July 20 if there was no response.
The protest began on June 20 over alleged examination irregularities. Wangchuk joined the agitation on June 28 and has remained on an indefinite fast since then. On Thursday, the CJP announced a peaceful march to Parliament on July 20, the opening day of the Monsoon Session, and invited students, parents and citizens from across the country to take part.
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