CJP Protest Enters Day 12; Sonam Wangchuk Says Stable, AISA Raises Concerns Over Fasting Students’ Health

New Delhi, July 1: The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) protest at Jantar Mantar entered its 12th day on Wednesday, with activist Sonam Wangchuk continuing his hunger strike for the fourth consecutive day. While Wangchuk said he was stable, student leaders associated with the All India Students’ Association (AISA) expressed concern over the deteriorating health of several students participating in the indefinite fast. Providing a health update, Wangchuk said doctors had advised him to increase his intake of water and salt after his blood pressure was found to be low. He added that his blood sugar level had dropped to 66 due to fasting but said the condition was expected during prolonged fasting. “My sugar level is low because I have not eaten for three days. My body has started using stored fat for energy. I am slightly tired but stable,” Wangchuk said, adding that he had lost around two kilograms, which he described as a normal rate during fasting. He also paid tribute to students and youths who had lost their lives in recent years, saying his personal discomfort was insignificant compared to their sacrifices. Meanwhile, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke said student protester Inesh, who was hospitalised after eight days of fasting, was recovering well and remained under medical observation. Dipke renewed his criticism of the government, alleging that repeated examination irregularities, paper leaks, and student suicides had forced citizens to launch the protest demanding accountability. The AISA claimed the health of several students on hunger strike had worsened. According to the organisation, JNUSU Joint Secretary Danish’s blood sugar level had fallen to 61 mg/dL, while protesters Aameen and Deepak were also advised by doctors to discontinue the fast due to serious health concerns. The student body demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, alleging that the government had failed to address students’ concerns. The CJP-led protest, which began on June 20, is centred on alleged irregularities in the examination system, including the NEET examination, and broader demands for accountability in public institutions and governance.