Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk entered the 20th day of his indefinite hunger strike on Friday, with doctors warning that prolonged fasting has pushed him into a critical phase and could begin affecting his organs if his condition worsens.
According to the latest medical bulletin, Wangchuk has lost more than nine kilograms since beginning his fast on June 28 and now weighs 56.9 kg. Doctors said his glucose reserves have been depleted, forcing his body to rely on stored fat and muscle for energy. Elevated ketone and uric acid levels indicate that muscle breakdown is underway, raising concerns that prolonged fasting could eventually impact vital organs.
The medical warning coincided with intervention by the Delhi High Court, which directed authorities to monitor Wangchuk’s health on a daily basis and ensure that medical assistance is provided if his condition deteriorates. Hearing a public interest litigation, the court observed that every citizen’s life is valuable and that all possible efforts should be made to preserve it.
Despite repeated appeals, Wangchuk has remained firm in continuing the hunger strike. He has argued that ending the protest without any response from the government would undermine the demands being raised by students. In a recent video message, he acknowledged increasing physical weakness but said medical tests, including an ECG, had not indicated any immediate threat to his heart.
Wangchuk joined the Cockroach Janata Party’s protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations before beginning his indefinite fast on June 28. The protesters are demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over repeated examination paper leaks, including NEET.
The protest has attracted support from political leaders, legal organisations and public figures. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal, members of the Supreme Court Bar Association, economists and several artists have appealed to the government to engage with Wangchuk while also urging him to call off his fast.
As the protest enters its third week, attention is increasingly shifting from its political demands to the risks posed by Wangchuk’s deteriorating health, with doctors warning that prolonged fasting could soon enter a far more dangerous stage.
Source: India Today
