Prominent Indian activist Sonam Wangchuk, on hunger strike for 26 days in support of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), has lost 11 kg but says he is 'still alive'. He has become the face of a youth-led movement demanding education reforms and the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Wangchuk endured 21 days in Delhi's scorching heat on only salt and water before being forcibly hospitalized. He is now in the ICU at Medanta Hospital, where doctors describe his condition as stable but continue monitoring.

The CJP movement, sparked by a controversial remark from India's chief justice, has grown into a mass protest drawing tens of thousands. Their core demands include Pradhan's resignation over repeated exam paper leaks, most recently in the medical entrance test.

On July 20, police used batons and tear gas against protesters marching to parliament, injuring over 150 demonstrators and 118 officers. Human Rights Watch condemned the 'excessive force' and called for an investigation. Authorities have also closed 16 metro stations in central Delhi, allegedly to prevent gatherings.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not directly addressed the protests but announced fast-track courts for paper leak cases. However, CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka dismissed this as 'medicine after injury', insisting the movement will continue until all demands are met.

From his hospital bed, Wangchuk stated he will only end his hunger strike if the government assures no retaliation against students. He praised the students' restraint during the police crackdown, saying their courage inspired him to continue his fast.

Source: www.bbc.co.uk