Renowned activist Sonam Wangchuk's intense hunger strike has officially entered its 25th day, bringing significant attention to his declining health and steadfast demands. Laying out a clear condition for the government, Wangchuk released a fresh video message on the social media platform X to update citizens about his physical condition and future course of action. He has categorically stated that he will only end his fast when the administration provides a firm assurance that no punitive legal action will be taken against the students and youth who participated in recent protests. While the prolonged period without food has severely compromised his physical strength, his determination remains entirely unshaken.
Severe Health Decline And Hospital Shift
The toll of abstaining from food for nearly a month is now highly visible on Wangchuk's body. In his public update, he revealed that he has lost a staggering 11 kilograms of body weight over the course of this 25-day hunger strike. Alongside the weight loss, he has also suffered substantial muscle depletion, leading to severe physical weakness. Taking his deteriorating health into account, medical authorities shifted him from Safdarjung hospital in Delhi to a private hospital facility located in Gurugram on July 21. Despite enduring significant physical pain and weakness, Wangchuk assured his well-wishers that he is still alive and feeling relatively fine under the circumstances. Medical professionals are continuing to monitor his vital parameters closely, given the severe risks associated with such extended fasting.
'Chalo Sansad' March And Peaceful Resistance
A major portion of Wangchuk's message focused specifically on the 'Chalo Sansad' protest march that took place on July 20. The demonstration, organized under the banner of the 'Cockroach Janta Party', saw massive participation from youth and student activists. The activist showered high praise on all the protesters who maintained their composure and remained entirely peaceful even after facing harsh police crackdowns and lathi charges. According to Wangchuk, certain disruptive elements were deliberately brought into the crowd to provoke violence and initiate stone-pelting. Despite these deliberate provocations, the genuine demonstrators held their ground with remarkable patience. Witnessing their resilience deeply melted his heart, and he explained that seeing the brutal attack on these peaceful students is exactly what drove him to continue his fast without yielding.
Political Appeals And Final Demands
The escalating situation has prompted various political figures to intervene. Several government ministers and prominent opposition leaders have reached out to the activist, urging him to call off his grueling hunger strike immediately. Wangchuk disclosed that he received a formal letter carrying the signatures of 65 MPs, all appealing to him to end the fast and return to his vital work of serving the nation. Acknowledging their concern, Wangchuk agreed that his work is important and expressed a genuine desire to resume his duties. However, he firmly reiterated his core demand, requesting the government to completely halt the use of force against young protesters. He is seeking a concrete guarantee that no FIRs will be registered and that no threats of police action or jail time will hang over the students. Wangchuk warned the authorities, "If I get the assurance soon, respecting your sentiments, I can break my fast today." Without this specific guarantee, he confirmed that his hunger strike will unfortunately have to continue indefinitely.
