Climate activist and educator Sonam Wangchuk began an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar on June 28, 2026 [1].
The protest aims to pressure the government ahead of a planned march to Parliament by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP). This action highlights escalating tensions between agricultural advocates and the state, particularly following allegations that farmer leaders were placed under house arrest to prevent them from reaching the protest site [2, 3].
Wangchuk has set July 20, 2026, as the deadline for the fast to end [4]. He said that he will "return as a ghost if the Parliament march doesn't succeed" [5].
As of this week, Wangchuk has reached 20 days of fasting [4]. The physical toll of the strike has been significant, with reports indicating he has lost over nine kilograms since the start of the protest [6]. Six students have joined him in the strike [1].
Medical professionals have expressed concern over the activist's deteriorating health. One medical source said doctors warn his organs could be at risk if the fast continues [7].
Wangchuk said, "I have started an indefinite hunger strike to support the Cockroach Janata Party's protest" [1]. The CJP has been protesting since June 20, though reports vary on whether the primary catalyst was the house arrest of specific farmer leaders, or broader policy grievances [1, 2].
“"I will return as a ghost if the Parliament march doesn't succeed."”
The use of extreme fasting by a high-profile figure like Wangchuk serves to amplify the visibility of the Cockroach Janata Party's grievances. By setting a hard deadline of July 20 and using provocative language regarding his own death, Wangchuk is attempting to create a moral and political crisis that forces the government to either concede to the Parliament march or risk the public fallout of an activist's death in custody or protest.
