Activist Sonam Wangchuk has said his indefinite hunger strike will continue beyond the proposed "Sansad Chalo" march unless his demands for accountability in the education sector are addressed. In a handwritten note shared on social media, Wangchuk said he would end his fast only if the government accepts responsibility for what he described as recent failures in the education system or if political leaders assure him that the matter will be raised in Parliament.
Wangchuk's statement came as supporters prepared for the planned "Sansad Chalo" march, a demonstration aimed at highlighting concerns related to education reforms and accountability. The activist said that despite concerns over his health, he would continue the hunger strike after the march unless specific conditions were met. In his handwritten note, Wangchuk responded to questions from supporters about when he would end his fast.
He said he had earlier indicated that the protest could conclude on July 20 if the government took accountability for issues including alleged failures in the education system and paper leaks. "Many of you have asked when I will end my fast. As mentioned earlier to supporters, I will end my fast on 20th July... if the govt takes accountability for the recent failures in the education system, paper leaks, et cetera," Wangchuk wrote in the note shared online.
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He added that if the government did not provide such an assurance, his hunger strike would continue. Wangchuk stated that the fast would only be broken under circumstances that fulfilled the conditions he had outlined, regardless of concerns regarding his health. The activist's protest has focused on demands for greater accountability and reforms in the education sector, particularly following concerns raised over examination-related issues and alleged paper leaks.
His supporters have called for greater transparency and action to address problems affecting students and competitive examination systems. Earlier, Wangchuk's wife had said that he would call off his fast if political leaders assured him that the issue of accountability in education would be raised during the Monsoon Session of Parliament. Her statement highlighted the importance of legislative discussion as one of the possible steps towards resolving the concerns raised by the activist.
Wangchuk was earlier taken to Safdarjung Hospital by police after his prolonged hunger strike raised concerns over his health. He later continued to communicate his demands through messages and handwritten notes shared with supporters. Known for his work in education, innovation and environmental advocacy, Wangchuk has previously led campaigns on issues related to governance and public participation.
His latest protest has drawn attention from civil society groups and political observers due to its focus on education reforms and institutional accountability. As the Monsoon Session of Parliament begins, attention is now on whether political leaders respond to Wangchuk's demands and whether discussions take place on the issues he has raised. For now, the activist has made it clear that his hunger strike will continue until he receives the assurances he is seeking.
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