Archive · 20 Jul 2026
Sonam Wangchuk Continues 23-Day Hunger Strike
Sonam Wangchuk, a well-known climate activist, has been on a hunger strike for 23 days.
He started this protest to support students who are upset about problems in the NEET exam.
He was moved to a hospital but refuses to stop his fast until the government listens to the students' concerns.
The students want to talk to lawmakers in Parliament, but the police stopped them from marching there.
Wangchuk says he will keep fasting until the students can meet with parliamentarians or until the government takes responsibility for the issues in the education system.
His wife says he is being held in the hospital against his will, but the court has not intervened.
Sonam Wangchuk has been on a hunger strike for 23 days in support of protesters over NEET exam irregularities.
He was moved to Safdarjung Hospital but refuses intravenous fluids and medications, showing signs of dehydration.
Wangchuk demands that youth leaders be allowed to meet parliamentarians or that he be allowed to meet them himself.
Protesters were stopped by police from marching to Parliament, leading to tear gas and lathi charges.
The CJP is demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and reforms in the exam system.
- Who
- Sonam Wangchuk, a climate activist, and CJP-led protesters
- What
- A hunger strike and protest over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination
- When
- Since June 28, continuing as of July 21
- Where
- Jantar Mantar protest site and Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi
- Why
- To demand accountability for failures in the education system and reforms in the exam system
Protesters and Activists
Government and Police
Protest Permissions
Protesters and Activists
Protesters demand the right to peacefully march to Parliament to present their grievances.
Government and Police
Police deny permission for the march, citing law and order concerns, and use force to disperse protesters.
Accountability for Education System
Protesters and Activists
Activists and protesters call for the resignation of the Education Minister and reforms in the exam system.
Government and Police
The government has not publicly responded to the demands for resignation or immediate reforms.
- Activist
- Sonam Wangchuk
- Duration of Fast
- 23 days
- Protest Location
- Jantar Mantar
- Hospital
- Safdarjung Hospital
- Protest Issue
- Alleged irregularities in NEET examination
- Protest Organization
- CJP (Citizens for Justice and Peace)
- Education Minister
- Dharmendra Pradhan
- Union Home Minister
- Amit Shah