Sonam Wangchuk’s 25‑Day Fast: Demands Assurance Against Police Action on Students

Social worker Sonam Wangchuk, currently at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram, issued a video statement on July 22 declaring that his hunger strike, now in its 25th day, will conclude today only if the government guarantees that students will not face any physical force, FIRs, or police intimidation.

He reported that he is alive despite a weight loss of about 11 kilograms and diminished muscle tone. He had been shifted from Safdarjung Hospital to Medanta just a day earlier.

Wangchuk expressed admiration for the Delhi demonstrators, noting that they accepted baton blows without responding with violence. Even when provoked by certain groups trying to hurl stones, the students kept calm, which he described as heart‑warming.

He explained that the severe attacks on students compelled him to maintain his fast, but now a group of leaders—including ministers and roughly 65 parliamentarians—have appealed to him with signed petitions urging an end to his strike so he can re‑engage in public service. He is prepared to do so if his key demand is met.

His plea to the government is clear: refrain from using force on children and avoid filing false FIRs that could lead to imprisonment or police harassment. With such assurance, he will end his hunger strike immediately; otherwise, he will be forced to continue.