Sonam Wangchuk hunger strike in New Delhi enters third week

Sonam Wangchuk began an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on June 28 to demand the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan [1, 3].

The protest highlights growing tensions regarding education policies and the constitutional safeguards of Ladakh, a region where Wangchuk has long advocated for greater autonomy and environmental protection.

Wangchuk, 59, has used the strike to draw attention to the perceived failures of the current administration's educational framework ^[4]. The activist's health has become a central point of concern as the protest progressed. Reports indicated his condition began to deteriorate after 11 days ^[1].

By the 18th day of the strike, supporters and political figures expressed concern over the government's response to his failing health ^[2]. A subsequent report indicated that Wangchuk had not eaten for 19 days ^[3].

The strike is part of a broader series of protests by the Ladakh-based activist. He has previously engaged in five hunger strikes to advocate for the region's rights, and the preservation of its fragile ecosystem ^[5].

Supporters at Jantar Mantar continue to call for the Education Minister's resignation, linking the demand to specific policies they believe harm the educational future of the region. The protest has attracted attention from various political groups, including the Cockroach Janata Party, which said the government ignored the activist's physical condition ^[2].

Wangchuk remains at the protest site, maintaining his demand for administrative accountability and the protection of Ladakh's constitutional status [3, 5].