Climate activist and Ramon Magsaysay Award winner Sonam Wangchuk, who is on an indefinite hunger strike demanding improvements in the education system and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, has ruled out ending his fast until the government responds positively to his demands.
He said, "Breaking the fast without any response from the government would send a wrong message and may set a wrong precedent for future generations."
"If I eat, what message will go? The message to the government will be that there is no need for accountability. Protesters sit and leave..." Wangchuk said, questioning what would change if he ended the fast.
Instead, he urged people to strengthen the proposed Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)’s Parliament March on July 20, which coincides with the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference's protest at Jantar Mantar on the same day.
In his latest video message, shared on Wednesday night on the 18th day of his hunger strike, Wangchuk said, "I have received thousands of messages asking me to break my fast. Many senior politicians have come to me and spoken to me with love and concern."
Some people had even approached the court seeking directions to make him end his fast, he said.
"My condition is not such that I will die in two or four days. Many medical tests have been conducted, and the results are quite normal for an 18-day fast. An ECG was also done, and it is not bad. I can continue for many more days," he said.
"Yes, there is weakness, and my muscles are getting weak, but my heart and core are still fine," he added.
Also read: Wangchuk loses 9 kg in 19-day hunger strike; Doctor raises alarm
Follow us
