Sonam Wangchuk Dehydrated at Jantar Mantar Protest, Doctors Advise Student Leaders to Rest
- Sonam Wangchuk is dehydrated after a 19-day hunger strike at Jantar Mantar in Delhi.
- Doctors have advised fasting student leaders not to walk due to health risks.
- Wangchuk has set a July 20 deadline for his demands, saying he will 'return as a ghost' if not met.
- Kiran Rao and Congress leader Kumari Selja have expressed support for the activist.
The protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar entered a critical phase on Friday as Ladakh activist Sonam Wangchuk was reported dehydrated after 19 days of a hunger strike. Doctors attending to the protesters have advised student leaders who are also fasting to avoid walking, citing health concerns.
Sonam Wangchuk's Condition Worsens
Wangchuk has been on an indefinite fast demanding action on Ladakh's statehood and inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. Sources close to the protest confirmed that the 50-year-old education reformist is weak and dehydrated, though officials have not yet issued a formal medical bulletin.
Medical teams stationed at the protest site are monitoring Wangchuk and other fasting participants. Several student leaders have been asked to conserve energy and remain seated or lying down.
July 20 Ultimatum
Wangchuk has refused to call off his hunger strike despite his deteriorating health. In a statement earlier this week, he said he will stay alive only till July 20. If his demands are not met by that date, he warned: "I will return as a ghost."
The activist's condition has sparked concern among supporters and political figures. Congress leader Kumari Selja said Wangchuk's 19-day fast "reflects the concerns of the country's youth." She urged the government to address the issues raised by the protesters.
Celebrity Support Grows
Filmmaker Kiran Rao extended her support to Wangchuk on Friday, days after her husband Aamir Khan clarified his statement about the character Rancho from the film '3 Idiots'. Rao said: "Our nation is indebted to you for shaking us out of our apathy."
The protest at Jantar Mantar has drawn students, activists, and supporters from Ladakh and other parts of India. They are demanding constitutional safeguards for the region, which was reorganized into a Union Territory in 2019.
What Happens Next
With Wangchuk's health declining and the July 20 deadline approaching, all eyes are on the central government's response. Negotiations have been held intermittently, but no breakthrough has been announced. The next 48 hours will be crucial as doctors warn that the fast cannot continue indefinitely without serious consequences.