New Delhi: The protest at Jantar Mantar over alleged examination irregularities intensified on Monday after an AISA activist on an indefinite hunger strike was hospitalised following a sharp decline in his health. Organisers also reported worsening health conditions of educator and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who continues his fast.
Deepak, a member of the CPI(ML) Liberation affiliated All India Students’ Association (AISA), was admitted to Delhi’s Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital on the 16th day of his hunger strike after developing severe medical complications.
According to AISA, Deepak lost 15 percent of his body weight. His blood pressure remained at 80/40 mmHg for three days, prompting doctors to recommend immediate hospitalisation due to the risk of organ damage.
In a later update, AISA said doctors diagnosed Deepak with hypovolemic shock, a critical condition caused by reduced blood flow to vital organs. He is receiving treatment at the hospital.
The organisation alleged that the Union government and Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan had not responded to the protesters’ demands despite students requiring hospital care. AISA said the remaining hunger strikers, Neha, Manish and Aameen, would continue their indefinite fast.
Meanwhile, Sonam Wangchuk, who joined the protest on June 28, has completed 16 days of fasting. According to a health update shared by the Cockroach Janta Party, he has lost 8.2 kilograms. His blood glucose level stood at 67 mg/dL and his blood pressure was recorded at 107/70 mmHg.
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke urged the Union government to address the protesters’ demands, stating that human lives were at stake and appealing against turning the issue into a battle of egos.
The protest began on June 20 over alleged examination irregularities. Participating organisations are demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, the scrapping of the National Testing Agency, and Rs 1 crore compensation for families of students who allegedly died by suicide over the alleged examination irregularities. The groups have also announced a peaceful march to Parliament on July 20, the opening day of the Monsoon Session.
