Activist Sonam Wangchuk’s health condition has worsened on the 19th day of his indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, prompting the Delhi High Court to order the Union and Delhi governments to ensure regular monitoring of his health.
Doctors have warned that Mr. Wangchuk’s health condition has entered a critical stage. According to Satish Lamba, a doctor who has been examining Mr. Wangchuk regularly, he has lost over 9 kg but remains mentally alert. However, Dr. Lamba warned that his body was likely consuming muscles and his organs may be next.
Mr. Wangchuk’s blood sugar levels are at 80 mg/dl, and his pulse is 72 bpm. Doctors are maintaining extra vigilance, and at his current stage, Mr. Wangchuk’s uric acid levels are likely elevated as his muscles are being broken down by his body. He now weighs 56.9 kg. The Delhi High Court ordered that Mr. Wangchuk must be regularly medically checked up by government doctors.
The court’s direction came while hearing a public interest litigation filed by advocate and social activist Rakesh Kumar Saini seeking urgent intervention to safeguard Mr. Wangchuk’s health. Mr. Saini sought intervention even if forcibly to save Mr. Wangchuk’s life. Mr. Wangchuk has been on a hunger strike demanding Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation over issues concerning the country’s education system.
Three student supporters from the Communist Party of India’s student outfit, the All India Students’ Association, are also at a critical stage of their concurrent hunger strike. While there have been calls for Mr. Wangchuk to end his hunger strike, he remained resolute, saying calling off his fast without any response from the government would send a wrong message. Instead, he urged people to strengthen the proposed Parliament march on July 20.
