Sonam Wangchuk and Omar Abdullah (R)
NEW DELHI: Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday extended support to educator and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. Expressing concern over Wangchuk’s health, Omar Abdullah urged the Centre to show compassion as the fast entered its 19th day.The J&K chief minister said the Centre should have appealed to Wangchuk to end his fast, adding that “there should be room for humanity” and compassion even in politics.”It has been many days since he sat on a hunger strike. As far as I know, he has only one demand that due to irregularities in the NEET exam and the cancellation of the exam, which caused a lot of trouble and tension for the children, the education minister should either resign or be removed from his post,” Omar told reporters.He also expressed surprise that the Centre had not responded despite Wangchuk’s worsening health and significant weight loss.Omar Abdullah also drew a parallel between Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike and Anna Hazare’s Jan Lokpal movement during the UPA government’s second term under then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. He noted that the then government had responded by sending ministers to hold talks with Hazare. However, Omar said the Centre now appeared unconcerned about Wangchuk’s deteriorating health despite his prolonged fast.’UPA under Manmohan Singh engaged with Anna Hazare, now Centre is unmoved over Sonam Wangchuk’s protest,’ said J&K CM Omar Abdullah.Earlier in the day, the Delhi high court directed that Wangchuk be medically examined every day during his hunger strike. The court also said any medical treatment required, based on the opinion of government doctors, should be provided.Meanwhile, doctors treating Wangchuk warned that his health has deteriorated sharply as his fast entered its 19th consecutive day. His attending physician, Dr Satish Lamba, said the activist could face multi-organ complications if the hunger strike continues.Wangchuk began his indefinite fast on June 28, 2026, joining a protest organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). The protest is demanding the resignation of Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in national examinations, including the NEET paper leak controversy.During a medical briefing, Dr Lamba said Wangchuk has lost more than 9 kg and now weighs 56.9 kg. Doctors are monitoring his condition round the clock.”Today, on the 19th day of hunger strike, his total weight loss exceeds 9 kilograms. His blood sugar today is 80 mg/dL, and his pulse is 72 beats per minute. His blood pressure readings are 105/61 mmHg while lying down and 101/65 mmHg while sitting,” Dr Lamba reported.Doctors said Wangchuk remains hydrated and mentally alert, but tests show his body has entered the second stage of prolonged starvation, raising serious concerns about his health if the fast continues.
