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'If you cant come here...': Sonam Wangchuk urges supporters to join him for one-day hunger strike
He added that those unable to join the protest in Delhi could instead observe the hunger strike in their respective states.
Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is on an indefinite hunger strike, appealed to people across the country on Monday to join him at Jantar Mantar and observe the hunger strike with him and those protesting for at least one day.
He added that those unable to join the protest in Delhi could instead observe the hunger strike in their respective states.
In a video message shared by CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, he said, “Namaskar, in support of education and environment, in support of CJP and Ladakh, today is my second day of Anshan on salt and water. Many people have joined here, you can also join. If you come here for one day of Anshan, it will be very good.”
“Some people are doing it for three to five days. It is very good to show support. If you can't come here, then in your state, city or village, for one day of Anshan, for education, for improvement, for response from the government, for environment, for air and water, you can do it.”
Wangchuk began his indefinite hunger strike on Sunday alongside the ongoing Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest, demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged exam irregularities.
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke said the protest would also raise the issue of accountability in the electoral system, news agency PTI reported.
Before joining the protest and commencing his indefinite hunger strike, Wangchuk, along with CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, visited Rajghat and paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi.
Addressing the protesters, Wangchuk said the Indian education system requires a course correction, and Pradhan’s resignation would mark the first step in that direction.
“No developed nation has achieved progress without investing in quality education. Similarly, India cannot become a Viksit Bharat (developed India) without strengthening its education system. The issues that have emerged recently indicate that this government is working against the interests of education. Our movement seeks a course correction in the education system, and the education minister’s resignation is the first step toward achieving that."
Wangchuk's warning
The strike comes after Wangchuk earlier announced that he will be sitting on an indefinite hunger strike starting June 28 if the government fails to meet at least one of two key demands linked to education reforms and greater autonomy for Ladakh.
“There are two demands," he said. “One is the demands raised by the CJP (Cockroach Janta Party) regarding education and accountability. As you know, two issues are very close to my heart: education, and environment. In education, we are demanding accountability, and in Ladakh, for the protection of culture, environment, and the restoration of democracy, we are seeking the same accountability.”
“If no accountability is shown on even one of these issues, then from Saturday night into Sunday I will go on a hunger strike. If accountability is accepted on even one issue, then I will not need to go on a hunger strike — at least one issue should be resolved.” “I will meet you all on Sunday,” he added.
Delhi police cut water, sanitation facilities, says Dipke
The CJP founder on Sunday said that the Delhi Police cut water and sanitation facilities at Jantar Mantar shortly after Wangchuk began his indefinite hunger strike.
"Delhi Police has cut off sanitation facility at Jantar Mantar after Sonam Wangchuk announced his hunger strike. No water connection and hygiene measures," Dipke wrote on X.
“Despite repeated pleas and telling them about Wangchuk ji’s age and health concerns, the Police is not cooperating and we suspect that other such basic facilities too will be cut off. What is the police upto?”
