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NEW DELHI: The Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar entered its 16th day on Sunday. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk also completed the eighth day of his indefinite hunger strike, during which he has reportedly lost around six kilograms.According to a medical bulletin issued by doctors, Wangchuk’s blood pressure was recorded at 112/70 mm Hg in the lying-down position, his heart rate at 72 beats per minute and his blood sugar at 67 mg/dL. Doctors said his hydration remained fair, he was mentally alert and his weight had fallen to 60.95 kg.The protest, which began on June 20, has centred on allegations that repeated paper leaks and examination irregularities have undermined students’ futures. On Saturday, the CJP released a two-page open letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to end what it described as his “resounding silence” and hold Pradhan accountable.In the letter, signed by CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke and several party office-bearers, the organisation questioned why the prime minister had not responded to the prolonged agitation.“We have been sitting in protest at the Jantar Mantar for the past 15 days, and today marks the seventh day of educationist Sonam Wangchuk’s indefinite hunger strike. How long will your government choose to ignore our voices, sir?” the letter said.“A hunger strike in a civil society is meant to bring moral pressure upon the powers that be. The underlying principle is simple: when someone like Sonam Wangchuk, a man who has dedicated his entire life, mind and soul to this country and to the cause of education, refuses to consume food, it is supposed to elicit a conscious response, whether moral or political, from the government of the day.The agitation has continued to draw support from leaders, civil society groups and student organisations. The Samyukta Kisan Morcha is expected to send a delegation to the protest on July 7, while members of the All India Students’ Association remain on an indefinite hunger strike. Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union joint secretary Danish Ali was admitted to hospital after her blood sugar level dropped during the fast, while several other student protesters continue their indefinite strike.
