New Delhi: Educator and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk on Friday asserted that he would “stay alive till July 20 at any cost”, even as his indefinite hunger strike entered its 20th day amid a warning from doctors that his prolonged fast has reached a critical stage.
The Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) protest at Jantar Mantar over alleged examination irregularities entered its 28th day, with Wangchuk urging people to ensure a massive turnout for the outfit’s proposed march to Parliament on July 20.
Addressing supporters at the protest site, Wangchuk acknowledged his weakening physical condition but said his resolve remained unshaken.
“I will stay alive till July 20 at any cost. If you don’t come and July 20 is not successful, I will come back as a ghost,” he said in a lighter vein, drawing cheers from the gathering.
On Thursday, doctors attending to Wangchuk had warned that his condition had entered a critical stage due to the prolonged fast.
Satish Lamba, a doctor who has been examining Wangchuk regularly, said the activist has been losing muscle and fat, which is triggering weight loss. He has lost 9 kg, he said.
The doctor underscored that Wangchuk has been relying only on water for 20 days, and it could prove life-threatening.
His body was likely consuming muscles, and his organs may be next, the doctor warned.
Wangchuk, however, has refused to call off the fast, saying that ending it without any response from the government would send a wrong message. He maintained that the focus should now be on making the July 20 parliament march a success.
The issue has also reached the Delhi issue has also reached the Delhi High Court, which directed authorities to monitor Wangchuk’s health daily and provide medical assistance if his condition deteriorates.
The CJP protest began on June 20, while Wangchuk joined the agitation on June 28 and has remained on an indefinite hunger strike since.
