‘What will change if I eat food?’: The unwavering courage of Sonam Wangchuk on a 19-day hunger strike; hearing in High Court today amidst the government's insensitive silence
New Delhi:
The condition of eminent scientist and activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on a hunger strike for the past 19 days on the scorching ground of Jantar Mantar, is deteriorating day by day. Due to this rigorous 19-day fast, his weight has dropped by about 9 kilograms, and his body is rapidly wearing down. But it is a matter of immense regret and concern that the government has maintained complete silence on the call of such a prominent national figure and personality sitting for serious public issues. This gross negligence and ignorance by the administration raise serious questions about the democratic system.
The Court’s Door and Wangchuk’s Sharp Question
Meanwhile, a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Delhi High Court to forcefully break Sonam Wangchuk's fast, which is scheduled to be heard today, July 16. Standing at the threshold of the court, Wangchuk has thrown a very poignant and sharp question at the government and the entire system— "If I eat food, what will change? Will my consuming food fulfill the actual objective of this movement?"
He clearly told his supporters that abandoning the fast midway would send a wrong message to the government that the public is not serious about their rights and movements.
Weakening Body, Strengthening Courage
In the videos going viral on social media, Sonam Wangchuk is looking much thinner and weaker than before. He himself admitted that his muscles have become weak due to the continuous hunger strike. However, reassuring his supporters, he said that the courage inside him is still unbroken and his other vital organs, including his heart, are functioning normally. He appealed that instead of shedding tears over his health, people should put their strength into the core objectives and demands of the movement.
Nationwide Mobilization Against Government's Apathy
Public outrage has now started smoldering against this stubbornness and silence of the government. In support of Sonam Wangchuk, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has sounded the bugle for a one-day nationwide hunger strike today (Thursday). This nationwide protest is not only about Wangchuk's declining health but is also a strong attempt to draw the government's attention to the future of students and all those issues related to the general public, which the administration has been suppressing for a long time.
Sonam Wangchuk has made a final call to his supporters to wake up the government, urging them to participate in large numbers in the proposed peaceful march to the Parliament on July 20, so that the echo of the public can reach the deaf and dumb government sitting in the corridors of power.
