Sonam Wangchuk Offers to End Hunger Strike as CJP Prepares for Parliament March Amid Heavy Security
NEW DELHI: Climate and education activist Sonam Wangchuk has announced that he will end his hunger strike on Monday, July 20, 2026, on the condition that the government takes accountability for failures in the education system or if Members of Parliament agree to raise the issue in Parliament.
The announcement comes as the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) prepares for a proposed 1.5-kilometre march from Jantar Mantar to the new Parliament building to demand comprehensive education reforms. The march is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. on Monday, coinciding with the commencement of the Monsoon Session of Parliament.
Wangchuk Details Conditions From Hospital Detention
In a post shared on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, Wangchuk stated that his current health condition does not permit him to physically participate in the planned march to Parliament. He is currently located at Safdarjung Hospital, where he alleged he is under "illegal detention" with restricted freedom of speech and communication.
Wangchuk has called on MPs from various political parties to meet him at the Safdarjung Hospital. He seeks assurances from them that they will actively raise the issue of paper leaks during the parliamentary session.
Alongside Wangchuk, other demonstrators continue their hunger strikes. Neha, a prominent face of the CJP protests, is pressing on with her fast. Additionally, the All India Students’ Association (AISA) confirmed that three of its members are on the 23rd day of their hunger strike. AISA stated they would receive a delegation urging these members to end their fast.
Security Deployed as Authorities Deny March Permission
The planned 1.5-kilometre route is set to start from the Jantar Mantar protest site, proceed through the Patel Chowk roundabout, and terminate at the new Parliament building. However, authorities have not granted permission for the procession, setting up a potential confrontation between demonstrators and law enforcement.
Heavy security arrangements have been established in the national capital, with security personnel equipped with riot guns deployed ahead of the march. In response to the security buildup, the CJP has issued a call for more supporters to gather at the protest site.
Adding to the tension, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke reported that a "wrecked" van and a lorry loaded with stones have appeared near the Jantar Mantar protest site ahead of the scheduled 9 a.m. start.
Thousands Gather at Jantar Mantar for Night Vigil
Despite the lack of official permission and the heavy police presence, public support for the protest has grown significantly. On Sunday, July 19, 2026, thousands of people, including political leaders, actors, and citizens, arrived at Jantar Mantar.
According to organizers, a night vigil held at the site on Sunday drew approximately 20,000 supporters. The influx of people left both entry points to the Jantar Mantar protest area heavily congested, making movement within the site difficult as the crowd prepared for the scheduled morning march.
