Archive · 6 Aug 2026
Sonam Wangchuk says he would like to support Jharkhand protesters
Sonam Wangchuk is a man from Ladakh who cares deeply about education and the environment.
He went on a hunger strike last month at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, during which he lost 11 kilograms of weight, and he has now regained 6 kilograms.
Some students in New Delhi used rude words about political leaders during their protest.
Wangchuk says using rude language is not good, but leaders should ask themselves why the students are so upset.
Another student leader, Devendra Nath Mahto, is on a hunger strike in Ranchi.
Wangchuk talked to him and asked him to drink water, which he did without ending his strike.
Wangchuk said he does not want to be the face of every protest but will support honest movements.
He especially wants to support protests about education and environment.
He also said that people raising their voices is a sign of a healthy democracy.
That is why he said he would like to support the students in Jharkhand.
Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk said he does not support the abusive language used against political leaders at the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.
He defended the student protesters, saying the responsibility lies with politicians to understand what drove students to such frustration.
Wangchuk added that if he were in the place of the Prime Minister, he would question himself first and not take actions against students.
On August 5, he spoke to Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JKLM) leader Devendra Nath Mahto, on hunger strike in Ranchi, and persuaded him to drink water, though Mahto said his strike continues.
Wangchuk said he does not wish to be the face of every protest but will support genuine movements for education and environment; he has recovered 6 kg of the 11 kg he lost during his hunger strike.
- Who
- Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and student leader Devendra Nath Mahto of the Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JKLM).
- What
- Wangchuk commented on student protests, defended the protesters, rejected abusive language against leaders, and said he would support genuine movements for education and environment.
- When
- Thursday, August 6, for his remarks; Wednesday, August 5, for his call to Devendra Nath Mahto.
- Where
- Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, Ranchi in Jharkhand, and Ladakh, where Wangchuk is currently located.
- Why
- Wangchuk believes politicians are responsible for understanding what drove students to frustration and that people raising their voices is a sign of a healthy democracy.
Defenders of the student protesters
Critics of protest language and tactics
Use of abusive language against political leaders
Defenders of the student protesters
Student protesters' frustration is understandable, and the responsibility lies with politicians to understand what drove students to such a point; Wangchuk defended the students.
Critics of protest language and tactics
Using abusive language against political leaders is not acceptable, a view Wangchuk himself expressed regarding the Jantar Mantar protest.
How authorities should respond to student protests
Defenders of the student protesters
If he were in the place of the Prime Minister, Wangchuk would question himself first and not take actions against the students.
Critics of protest language and tactics
Authorities may see a need to act against protesters who cross lines such as using abusive language, which is why Wangchuk's stance of restraint stands out.
- Activist
- Sonam Wangchuk
- Location of Wangchuk
- Ladakh
- Jantar Mantar protest
- Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led
- Hunger strike in Ranchi
- Devendra Nath Mahto, JKLM leader
- Weight recovered
- 6 kg of the 11 kg lost during hunger strike
- Subjects close to Wangchuk
- Education and environment
- Date of remarks
- Thursday, August 6