Sonam Wangchuk loses 8.5 kg during hunger strike, plea in Delhi High Court

Sonam Wangchuk has been on a hunger strike for the past 17 days.

At Delhi's Jantar Mantar, educationist Sonam Wangchuk has been on a hunger strike for the past 17 days. Meanwhile, a public interest litigation has been filed in the Delhi High Court demanding that he be forcibly taken to a hospital for treatment and fed. The petition claims that he has lost about 8.5 kg in weight and if the fast continues, his life could be in serious danger.

This petition has been filed by social activist and lawyer Rakesh Kumar Saini. It states that Sonam Wangchuk's health is continuously deteriorating. Therefore, the Central Government and the Delhi Government should be directed to immediately admit him to a hospital and provide necessary treatment along with food.

The petition states that if timely steps are not taken, there could be serious consequences. It also mentions that Sonam Wangchuk's life is at risk and if anything untoward happens to him, it would be a matter of concern for the country and the world.

According to the organisers of the movement,

During the indefinite fast, his weight has decreased by 8.5 kilograms. His blood pressure has dropped to 107/70 mmHg, while his blood sugar level has also fallen to 67 mg/dL.

Abhijit Deepke, founder of CJP, appealed to the Central Government to seriously consider the demands of the protesters. He stated that people's lives are now at stake. Sonam Wangchuk continued his hunger strike on the 18th day. His condition appears quite weak. A team of doctors at the protest site is continuously monitoring him and checking his health.

People associated with the movement say that when he tries to stand or sit, he feels dizzy. Even going to the washroom is causing him considerable difficulty. Currently, all eyes are on when the court will hear this public interest litigation and what decision it will make. Meanwhile, the protesters have announced a march to Parliament on July 20. It is noteworthy that the protest at Jantar Mantar began with the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) over irregularities in competitive exams, and later Sonam Wangchuk joined it. The fast began with the demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.