Sonam Wangchuk, the renowned climate activist and education reformer from Ladakh, entered his indefinite hunger strike on June 28, 2026, at Jantar Mantar in Delhi. By mid-July, the fast had stretched into its 18th day, with reports indicating significant weight loss of over 8 kg, dropping blood pressure, low blood sugar levels, muscle wasting, and increasing pain. Wangchuk has vowed to continue for up to six weeks or until death, if necessary.

His demands centre on two critical issues: accountability in India's education system, specifically the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak scandal, and long-pending constitutional safeguards for Ladakh, including inclusion under the Sixth Schedule, greater autonomy, and environmental protections. The cause is undeniably important. The NEET paper leak led to the exam's cancellation, widespread student distress, reported suicides, and eroded trust in the National Testing Agency.

Ladakh's demands stem from unfulfilled promises since its reorganisation as a Union Territory in 2019 concerning tribal rights, cultural preservation, and ecological fragility in a region bordering sensitive areas. Wangchuk's track record lends credibility: he has successfully used hunger strikes in Ladakh for local issues, often securing government engagement through sustained local mobilisation and back-channel talks.

Questions Over Strategy

Yet, this Delhi protest appears headed toward diminishing returns, largely due to the vague, leaderless, and shortsighted approach of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), the primary platform he joined. The CJP, founded by Abhijit Dipke, emerged amid the NEET outrage and organised sit-ins, demanding Pradhan's resignation. Wangchuk aligned with them, amplifying their voice with his stature. However, the party's strategy lacks depth.

While student organisations like the All India Students' Association (AISA) have conducted more aggressive, on-ground protests—including direct confrontations and broader mobilisation—the CJP's efforts remain confined to Jantar Mantar, reliant on social media appeals, letter-writing to MPs, and occasional celebrity or........

© Free Press Journal