India activist urged to end hunger strike as he risks organ failure
Well-known activist Sonam Wangchuk hasn't eaten in nearly 3 weeks, endangering his health as he demands changes to India's exam system.
New Delhi — Calls are growing for an Indian education activist to end his 20-day hunger strike over fears for his safety. Sonam Wangchuk has survived on just salt water in the sweltering heat of India's capital for almost three weeks after joining a sit-in protest organized by the satirical Cockroach Janta Party to demand reforms in India's education system.
The protest, and Wangchuk's hunger strike, were sparked by the cancellation of a key entrance exam for aspiring doctors following the leak of an exam paper, affecting millions of students.
The 59-year-old activist has lost about 21 pounds, and doctors caring for him have warned that his condition has become critical, with the possibility of organ damage if he continues his strike.
The Delhi High Court on Thursday asked the government to intervene and monitor Wangchuck's health regularly, and to administer treatment if it is deemed necessary.
The Cockroach Janata Party started as an online satirical movement in May — a tongue-in-cheek protest against remarks by the country's chief justice, Surya Kant, who was widely reported to have referred to India's unemployed youth as "cockroaches" and "parasites" during a court hearing
Last month, supporters of the CJP launched their first real-world protest with the ongoing sit-in outside the Jantar Mantar, a space observatory that is Delhi's sole designated protest site. Delhi Police have given permission to various groups to carry out demonstrations at the Jantar Mantar, but denied permits elsewhere arguing that it is necessary to restrict such gatherings to avoid road blockages and other inconveniences.