14 July,2026 11:11 AM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
In a joint statement issued on Monday, the signatories expressed solidarity with the ongoing agitation and praised the protesters for leading the campaign against the government. Pic/X
A group of prominent public figures, including writer Arundhati Roy, actors Naseeruddin Shah and Ratna Pathak Shah, and economist Jayati Ghosh, has appealed to protesters on an indefinite hunger strike at Delhi's Jantar Mantar to end their fast while reaffirming support for their demand seeking the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
In a joint statement issued on Monday, the signatories expressed solidarity with the ongoing agitation and praised the protesters for leading the campaign against the government. At the same time, they voiced concern over the deteriorating health of those participating in the indefinite fast.
The statement described the protesters' efforts as a significant contribution to the movement on behalf of students and young people across the country.
"We salute your sense of purpose, the determination and courage with which you are spearheading this movement for students and youth across the country," the statement said.
The signatories said they remained concerned that the physical condition of those observing the hunger strike could worsen if the protest continued for an extended period.
While reiterating support for the protesters' demands, the group urged those on the hunger strike to call off their fast in view of the longer campaign ahead.
"We request you to please consider ending this hunger strike immediately in the interests of the longer and more difficult struggle ahead. This battle is a marathon, not a sprint, and we need you, your strength and leadership in the days to come."
The statement also criticised what it described as the government's lack of response to the protesters' demands.
"We worry that their negligence in responding to your demands will only worsen the already fragile state of health that many of you are in," they said.
The appeal came on the 24th day of the Cockroach Janta Party's protest at Jantar Mantar and the 16th day of educator and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk's indefinite hunger strike.
Organisers said Wangchuk has lost 8.2 kilograms since beginning his fast. His latest medical readings reportedly showed a blood pressure of 107/70 mmHg and a blood glucose level of 67 mg/dL.
Meanwhile, All India Students' Association (AISA) activist Deepak, who has also been on a hunger strike since June 28, was admitted to Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital on Monday after his health deteriorated.
The joint statement also urged people in Delhi to participate in the CJP's proposed march to Parliament on July 20, which is scheduled to coincide with the commencement of the Monsoon Session of Parliament.
The signatories said public participation would strengthen the ongoing campaign and demonstrate broader support for the protesters' demands.
Apart from Roy, Naseeruddin Shah, Ratna Pathak Shah and Jayati Ghosh, the statement was signed by academics Anuradha Chenoy, Nivedita Menon, Tanika Sarkar and Aditya Nigam, filmmaker Sanjay Kak, activist Lalita Ramdas, Kavita Srivastava, feminist Madhu Bhushan and cultural practitioner Arundhati Ghosh.
The CJP has been holding demonstrations at Jantar Mantar demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination. Sonam Wangchuk joined the protest on June 28 and has remained on an indefinite hunger strike since then. The organisation has also announced a march to Parliament on July 20 as part of its ongoing campaign.
(With inputs from PTI)
