As concerns over his health continue to grow, Sonam Wangchuk says his medical reports remain stable and asks supporters to strengthen the protest instead of worrying about him.
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Social activist and educator Sonam Wangchuk entered the 19th day of his indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar on Thursday. He is demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination.
Late on Wednesday night, Wangchuk released a video message to update supporters about his health. Looking visibly weak, the 59-year-old said he was not in perfect condition but was not in immediate danger either.
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“I’m not in good shape but not so bad either,” he said, adding that he is not expected to die in the next two to four days, contrary to fears expressed by some supporters.
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In the video, Wangchuk said doctors have been carrying out regular medical tests and that the reports have been largely normal.
He said his ECG results were normal and that his heart remained healthy despite the long fast.
“Medical tests are being done, results are pretty normal. The ECG is also normal, so I can survive for many days now. I am weak, my muscles are getting weak but my heart and my core are fine,” Wangchuk said.
While he admitted that his muscles have become weaker with each passing day, he stressed that his overall condition remains stable and that he continues to stay mentally strong.
The latest medical bulletin issued by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) described Wangchuk as “very weak” and said he is under 24-hour medical monitoring.
According to the bulletin, his body weight has dropped to 57.15 kg. He lost another 400 grams in the last 24 hours, taking his total weight loss since the beginning of the hunger strike to nearly 8.9 kg.
Doctors recorded his blood pressure at 105/76 mmHg. His blood sugar level was measured at 80 mg/dL, while his oxygen saturation stood at 97%.
The medical team said Wangchuk remains conscious and mentally alert but requires continuous medical supervision because of the prolonged fast.
Instead of asking him to end his hunger strike, Wangchuk urged people to support the movement in another way.
He appealed to supporters to participate in the organisation’s planned “Chalo Sansad” march to Parliament on July 20.
“Rather than asking me to break my fast, please join me on 20th July… Peaceful March to the Parliament,” he said in the video message.
The march has been planned as a peaceful demonstration to continue the protest over the NEET issue.
Wangchuk is not the only person observing a hunger strike at Jantar Mantar. Several members of student organisations are also continuing their fast.
Leaders of the All India Students’ Association (AISA) — Neha, Manish and Aameen — remain on hunger strike despite worsening health.
According to AISA, Neha has lost 5.85 kg during the protest. Manish has lost 8.2 kg, while Aameen has lost 8.3 kg. The organisation also said all three are suffering from low blood sugar levels.
AISA further stated that JNUSU joint secretary Danish, JNU Barak Hostel president Hrishikesh and Delhi University student leader Deepak have been admitted to hospital after their health worsened during the ongoing protest.
As the hunger strike continues, protesters remain firm on their demands while medical teams closely monitor the health of those participating in the fast.
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