Over 60 prominent figures, including Nobel laureate Abhijit Banerjee, have appealed to Sonam Wangchuk to end his 20-day hunger strike due to deteriorating health. Medical reports indicate significant weight loss and risks of long-term organ damage. Meanwhile, separate groups have criticized the Education Minister's silence regarding concurrent student protests.
A coalition of more than 60 prominent public figures, including academics, authors, and filmmakers, has issued a formal appeal to environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk to end his 20-day hunger strike. The signatories, who describe Wangchuk as a voice for the public conscience, have urged him to prioritize his health while simultaneously calling on the government to open a dialogue to address his concerns.
The appeal follows growing alarm over Wangchuk’s physical condition after nearly three weeks without food. Medical assessments cited in the appeal highlight that he has lost more than nine kilograms, with health experts warning of the potential for severe muscle deterioration and permanent organ damage if the fast continues. The signatories expressed that Wangchuk’s contributions to public service are invaluable and pleaded for him not to risk his life in such a manner.
Notable Signatories and Government Accountability
The list of those supporting the appeal includes Nobel laureate Abhijit Banerjee, alongside authors Arundhati Roy, Amitav Ghosh, and Kiran Desai. Filmmakers such as Zoya Akhtar and Vishal Bharadwaj have also joined the call, highlighting the broad support for Wangchuk’s safety across various intellectual and creative sectors.
In a related movement, a separate group of academics, including Romila Thapar and Prabhat Patnaik, has directed criticism toward Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. This group has expressed deep concern over the ongoing protests involving students, who are also participating in hunger strikes. The academics have criticized the lack of official communication from the Ministry of Education, stating that officials could be held accountable for any medical emergencies or harm that befalls the student protesters. They have suggested that addressing these grievances through immediate dialogue is a necessary step to prevent further escalation.