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NEW DELHI: Several opposition leaders on Tuesday appealed to educator and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk to end his indefinite hunger strike at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. The leaders expressed concern over his deteriorating health while reiterating support for the protest over alleged irregularities in NEET and other examinations. According to the organisers, Wangchuk has lost 8.2 kilograms since he began fasting. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav urged Wangchuk to call off his fast, saying his life was too valuable to be risked in an attempt to persuade the BJP-led government.“We humbly request and earnestly appeal to Shri Sonam Wangchuk ji to break his fast. His life is invaluable to the entire world because it embodies the same commitment to humanity and the environment as it does to democracy,” Yadav wrote on X.He launched a sharp attack on the BJP, saying, “The BJP government, which he is attempting to awaken through his fast unto death, is itself a principle-less and corrupt system. In its insensitivity and heartlessness, the sacrifice of anyone holds no significance; therefore, expecting any sense of propriety or change of heart from BJP members is utterly futile.”Yadav further alleged that the ruling party cared only about power and money, adding, “How would those who are looting even temples out of greed for power (‘satta-graha’) understand the significance of ‘Satyagraha’?”Aam Aadmi Party national convener Arvind Kejriwal also appealed to Wangchuk to end his fast while pledging support for the protest. Addressing a press conference, the former Delhi chief minister said he would visit Jantar Mantar on Thursday evening.“Sonam Wangchuk is on hunger strike for some days and his health is deteriorating. He is an asset of the country and I appeal him to end his hunger strike. There are other ways also for the struggle,” Kejriwal said.He said the AAP supported the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) demands, called for Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation, and urged reforms to the examination system to prevent paper leaks. Former Delhi chief minister Atishi met Wangchuk at the protest site on Monday.Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra also urged Wangchuk to end his fast, saying he had already succeeded in uniting young people across the country.“Sonam Sir your fast has united this country’s youth in their war for justice. Your goal is reached. Govt doesn’t care about your life or that of crores of youth. But your life matters to us. Pls call off fast & continue the fight,” she posted on X.The appeals came a day after a group of eminent citizens, including writer Arundhati Roy, actors Naseeruddin Shah and Ratna Pathak Shah, and economist Jayati Ghosh, urged Wangchuk and other protesters to end their fast while backing their demand for Pradhan’s resignation.According to the organisers, Wangchuk has lost 8.2 kg since beginning his hunger strike on June 28. The CJP protest at Jantar Mantar, which began on June 20, is demanding Pradhan’s resignation over alleged irregularities in NEET and other examinations. The organisation has announced a march to Parliament on July 20.
