I am still alive, says activist Sonam Wangchuk on 25th day of his hunger strike as CJP protest continues

Sonam Wangchuk speaks in a video message from Medanta Hospital. Pic/PTI

Activist Sonam Wangchuk has said he is willing to end his 25-day hunger strike if the government assures that no legal or punitive action will be taken against peaceful protesters who joined the Cockroach Janata Party's (CJP) 'Chalo Sansad' march on July 20, reported the ANI.

In a video message shared on Wednesday, Wangchuk said that he had lost 11 kilograms during the fast but remained determined to continue unless such an assurance was given.

"I am still alive," he said, adding that he wanted to return to his work but could not do so without a commitment that protesters would not face police cases or other action, according to the ANI.

Wangchuk praised students and supporters who took part in the demonstration, saying they remained peaceful despite police action.

He alleged that protesters faced force and attempts were made to provoke violence, but said they showed restraint throughout the demonstration.

According to Wangchuk, witnessing the treatment of protesters strengthened his resolve to continue the hunger strike.

Govt assurance remains key condition

The activist said several Union ministers and Opposition leaders had appealed to him to end the fast, including through a letter signed by 65 Members of Parliament, the news agency reported.

However, he maintained that he would end the strike only after receiving a clear assurance from the government that peaceful protesters would not face FIRs, arrests or any retaliatory legal action.

He said such a commitment would allow him to end the fast immediately.

Wife questions police restrictions

Meanwhile, Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali Angmo, criticised the authorities after Opposition MPs were reportedly prevented from meeting him at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram, according to the ANI.

She said the MPs had brought a signed letter requesting Wangchuk to end his hunger strike but were stopped by police outside the hospital.

Gitanjali Angmo questioned why the government was not allowing the meeting despite a Delhi High Court order stating that Wangchuk was not under detention and had been shifted from Safdarjung Hospital to Medanta Hospital for better medical care.

Opposition letter handed to family

Unable to meet Wangchuk in person, 15 Opposition MPs handed their letter to Gitanjali Angmo, urging the activist to end his indefinite fast.

(with ANI inputs)