Sikkim organisations extend support to Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike

PTI, July 18, 2026, Gangtok : Sikkim University Students' Association (SUSA) has extended its support to educator and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is on an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, over alleged examination irregularities.

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.

SUSA, in a press statement on Thursday, voiced concern over Wangchuk's deteriorating health and said that his peaceful protest had grown into a larger movement demanding accountability and transparency in public examinations.

The student association alleged that recurring paper leaks, abrupt cancellations and administrative failures have severely eroded public confidence in national testing agencies.

The Citizen Action Party–Sikkim on Wednesday expressed deep concern over the health of activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on a hunger strike in the national capital over the past 18 days, and called on the Centre to engage in a "constructive dialogue" with the protesters.

In a statement, the Citizen Action Party–Sikkim said it was praying for Wangchuk's well-being and hoped the Centre would engage in a "constructive and meaningful dialogue" on the issues he has raised.

"We offer our sincere prayers for his safety, good health, and well-being, and remain hopeful that the Union government, in keeping with the finest traditions of Indian democracy, will give due consideration to his concerns and initiate a constructive and meaningful dialogue at the earliest," it said.

The statement described Wangchuk as one of India's foremost voices on sustainable development, climate resilience and community-led innovation.

"The Citizen Action Party–Sikkim firmly believes that dialogue, mutual respect and democratic engagement remain the strongest pillars of our republic. We are confident that through sincere and meaningful discussions, an amicable and honourable resolution can be achieved," it added.

Wangchuk's indefinite fast against alleged irregularities in examinations also received support from the Affected Citizens of Teesta (ACT), a Sikkim-based organisation advocating environmental conservation and the rights of indigenous people, which demanded that the government respond to the climate activist's "legitimate demands".

"We are witnessing a crisis of conscience. Wangchuk's health is failing as he sacrifices his own life for the future of our youth. The government has a moral and constitutional duty to heed the voice of the people. The demand to remove the Union Education Minister is not a personal attack but a necessary step to restore integrity and accountability to our education system," it said.