Activist Sonam Wangchuk on Wednesday asked for an "unequivocal assurance" from the government that young protesters who participated in the recent movement demanding education reforms will not face any punitive or retaliatory legal action.
In a video message released today, his first since being moved to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Medanta Hospital in Gurugram, Wangchuk said he was "still alive" on the 25th day of his hunger strike. He said he had lost around 11 kg over the course of the fast and had begun losing muscle mass. He added that he was shifted from Safdarjung Hospital to the private Gurugram facility overnight.
In the video, Wangchuk saluted the students who took part in the Chalo Sansad march for their conduct, saying they remained peaceful despite being lathi-charged and repeatedly provoked, including attempts he alleged were made to incite stone-pelting among them. He said witnessing the police action against the students was what led him to continue his fast.
In a letter to Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh, Wangchuk, who is on an indefinite hunger strike, said he would end his fast only after receiving an assurance from the government on the same.
Also Read: Sonam Wangchuk stable in ICU; CJP urges him to end hunger strike
"If such an assurance is given, I shall end my fast with faith that the Government has heard not only my appeal but also the aspirations of lakhs of young Indians. In the absence of such an assurance, I will be forced to continue my fast indefinitely. I also hope that there will be no further use of excessive police force to repress the movement," Wangchuk said.
