INDIAN ACTIVIST WANGCHUK SETS CONDITIONS TO END HUNGER STRIKE

Indian activist and educationist Sonam Wangchuk has set conditions for ending his 26-day hunger strike, stating he will cease the fast if the government guarantees that police will not use force against student protesters or pursue punitive action against them. Wangchuk, who has lost 11 kilogrammes during the strike, was forcibly removed from the protest venue at Delhi's Jantar Mantar on Saturday and admitted to hospital, where he continues his fast. The strike has been conducted in support of a youth-led movement seeking education reforms and the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

The protests were triggered by repeated examination paper leaks affecting students. A police crackdown on Monday's march to parliament resulted in dozens of protesters and police officers injured, according to reports. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not directly commented on the protests or engaged with demonstrators, though he posted a statement on X on Thursday addressing concerns about paper leaks and announcing the establishment of fast-track courts for those involved in exam fraud. A spokesperson for the Cockroach Janta Party rejected Modi's response, stating the core issue was addressing why paper leaks occur rather than solely punishing those responsible.

Medanta Hospital in Gurugram confirmed Wangchuk's admission to intensive care, stating he is stable with vital signs within accepted parameters. The activist, popularly known as "Sonam sir", has endured 21 days at the protest site in intense summer heat consuming only salt and water before hospitalisation. Thousands of demonstrators continue to gather at the protest venue despite the police action, with placards and posters featuring slogans about Wangchuk's fast displayed throughout the site.