'India doesn't need you to die': SC lawyer urges Wangchuk to quit quickly, says 'save your strength for…' | Read the letter

Senior lawyer Dr. Vikas Singh has joined the growing chorus of support for Ladakh social activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is now on the 19th day of his indefinite fast after joining the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protests.

Singh urged Wangchuk to end the hunger strike. “India does not need you to die for a broken system. We need you to be alive, working and leading us from the front,” he said, adding, “Please save your strength for the long journey ahead of you. End it quickly, get back to the work you are best at.”

In the letter, Singh wrote, “I am writing to you out of deep concern but also with a very clear mind about the world we live in right now. I see you sitting there putting your body and your life in jeopardy for the future of our children, the interest of NEETs and the soul of our country.”

He appealed to Wangchuk to end the fast, adding: “PLEASE END THIS FAST. Your strength never came from begging people in power or being at their mercy. Look at your life. You have always changed the world by doing, not begging.”

Acknowledging Wangchuk’s contribution to education, Singh said, “You have revolutionized education by taking students who everyone has given up on and showing them their worth. You have shown us what discipline, innovation and true empathy look like in action. You are unstoppable when you are on the ground creating, teaching and building.”

Singh said defeating the current political climate are the days when leaders or ministers accepted moral responsibility and stepped down when lives were seriously affected by actions taken under their watch.

He went on to say: “Politics has changed. Look at what is happening around us. We see massive institutional failure and broken systems destroying millions of young lives, but those in power look at this grave wrongdoing and feel absolutely no shame or responsibility.”

Referring to elected representatives, Singh added: “The moral fiber of today’s politicians is shrinking considerably… To expect a politician today to have a conscience is unthinkable.”

Wangchuk’s protest

Wangchuk is on an indefinite hunger strike at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET paper leak. His protest received support from political leaders, activists and members of civil society across the country.

As concerns over his deteriorating health continue to mount, several prominent figures, including politicians, actors and writers, have called on Wangchuk to end his fast while expressing support for his campaign.