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Wangchuk’s New Condition for Ending Hunger Strike
Want to live but – Sonam Wangchuk, the prominent educationist currently receiving treatment in the Intensive Care Unit at Medanta Hospital, has announced a fresh requirement to conclude his ongoing hunger strike. In correspondence sent to Union ministers J.P. Nadda and Jitendra Singh on Wednesday, the activist clarified that he would only terminate his fast in support of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) demonstration if the government guaranteed that no “legal cases, harassment or vindictive action” would be pursued against the young protesters involved in the movement.
Reflecting on the recent events, Wangchuk wrote in his letter that the “Chalo Sansad” march held on July 20, 2026, proceeded peacefully despite what he described as excessive and disproportionate police force. He expressed gratitude to the ministers for their personal visit and for indicating that the Centre would review his previous demands. “I want to live. I want to return to my students, to education, and to the work that has defined my life,” he wrote, emphasizing his desire to continue his educational mission.
Protecting the Youth Movement
However, Wangchuk made it clear that his personal recovery cannot come at the expense of the younger generation for whom this movement originated. “But I cannot do so at the cost of the very young people for whom this movement began,” he stated, noting that CJP protesters were primarily focused on establishing fairness and accountability within India’s education system. The activist warned that without a firm assurance from the Centre that CJP demonstrators would be shielded from legal consequences, he would persist with his hunger strike indefinitely. He also called for restraint in police responses, adding, “I also hope that there will be no further use of excessive police force to repress the movement.”
Previously, Wangchuk had advocated for substantive parliamentary discussions during the monsoon session regarding education sector accountability, including potential resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. His demands have consistently centered on systemic reforms and protecting student activists from government overreach.
Medanta Hospital provided an update on Wednesday regarding Wangchuk’s condition, confirming that while he would remain in the ICU for the foreseeable future, his overall health status remained stable. “He is being treated by a multidisciplinary team of doctors. Presently, he is stable, oriented, and his vital signs are within accepted parameters,” the hospital stated according to a News18 report. Medical professionals continue to monitor his progress closely as he recovers from the physical toll of his extended fast.
Wangchuk’s admission to Medanta Hospital occurred on Tuesday, following a hearing by the Delhi High Court on an appeal submitted by his wife, Gitanjali Angmo. She had sought to transfer him from Safdarjung Hospital, where she alleged he was being held against his wishes. The court’s consideration of her petition facilitated the move to the Gurugram facility, where Wangchuk continues to receive comprehensive medical care while maintaining his commitment to the education movement and the protesters he supports.
