Sonam Wangchuk Hunger Strike LIVE: Sonam Wangchuk rules out quick end, urges people to join CJP's Parliamentary March

Sonam Wangchuk 19th day of hunger strike LIVE: Sonam Wangchuk has ruled out ending his indefinite hunger strike as politicians, activists and celebrities are joined by other members of civil society calling for him to end his fast, which entered its 19th day on Thursday.

Responding to the growing calls, a visibly frail Wangchuk said in a video message shared late Wednesday: “I have received thousands of messages asking me to break the fast. Many senior politicians came to me and spoke to me with love and concern.”

Some even went to court seeking instructions to force me to eat, he said.

In an attempt to allay concerns about his health, Wangchuk said medical examinations carried out so far have not indicated any imminent danger.

“My condition is not that I will die in two to four days. Many medical tests have been done and the results are completely normal for an 18-day fast. An EKG has also been done and it is not bad. I can continue for many more days,” he said.

Sonam Wangchuk Health Update

According to a medical bulletin issued by the CJP, Wangchuk remains “very weak” and is under 24-hour medical vigilance.

His weight has dropped to 57.15 kg, a drop of 400 grams in the last 24 hours and 8.9 kg since the hunger strike began.

His blood pressure was recorded at 105/76, blood sugar at 80 mg/dL, oxygen saturation at 97 percent, while hydration was described as good.

CJP to march to parliament

The CJP’s protest against the alleged irregularities in the NEET exam has entered its 26th day. The department also announced a one-day mass hunger strike on Thursday ahead of the July 20 ‘Chalo Sansad’ march.