Sonam Wangchuk’s 19th Day of Fasting: Will He Die in 2 Days? | ISH News

Sonam Wangchuk is an engineer, education reformer and climate activist from Ladakh. He is best known as the real-life inspiration behind Aamir Khan’s character, Phunsukh Wangdu, in the film 3 Idiots. You may remember ISH News reporting on the NEET controversy and the formation of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). This protest is linked to the NEET (UG) 2026 paper leak and other exam irregularities. On 28th June 2026, Wangchuk joined the CJP protest and began an indefinite hunger strike. He said he would not eat until the government agreed to hold talks with the protesters. As of 16th July, the protest has entered its 26th day, while Wangchuk’s hunger strike has entered its 19th day. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke has been sharing daily updates on Wangchuk’s health. He said Wangchuk has lost more than 8.4 kg, is losing muscle mass, feels dizzy, struggles to walk and has low blood pressure. Despite repeated requests from supporters to end his fast, Wangchuk has refused. He said, “Don’t ask me to end my fast. Ask the government why they won’t even have a dialogue.” As Wangchuk’s health worsened, a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed in the Delhi High Court. The petition has asked the court to direct authorities to shift him to a hospital, provide proper treatment and, if needed, allow doctors to force-feed him to save his life. According to the petition, his condition has become so serious that he could die within two days without medical intervention. However, force-feeding remains legally and ethically controversial because it goes against a person’s decision to continue fasting. In a video message, Wangchuk said he feels weaker but does not consider himself a hero or a “modern Gandhi”. He said he is simply an ordinary citizen trying to fulfil his responsibility. The protest has received support from several politicians and public figures, including Mamata Banerjee, Arvind Kejriwal and Shashi Tharoor. Actor Omi Vaidya, who played Chatur in 3 Idiots, also appealed to people not to let Wangchuk die, saying that his life should be saved regardless of opinions about the protest. Several students and activists, including members of the All India Students’ Association (AISA), are also on indefinite hunger strikes. At least one participant has reportedly been hospitalised after their health worsened. The CJP has called for a one-day mass hunger strike on 16th July in support of Wangchuk and the students. It has also announced a “Chalo Sansad” march on 20th July, the first day of Parliament’s Monsoon Session. It remains to be seen whether the government will respond before the march or whether Wangchuk will continue his fast. #ISHNews #SonamWangchuk #DharmendraPradhan #PaperLeak #CJP #AbhijeetDipke #BreakingNews #HungerStrike #IndiaSigningHands #ISH #ISHNews #ISL #IndianSignLanguage #SignLanguage ISH News broadcasts the Daily News and Entertainment online in Deaf-friendly accessible formats which are in Indian Sign Language (ISL), visual images with titles, voice-over and closed-captions. This ensures that we provide equal access to every individual, whilst promoting awareness. Follow us for all the latest News & Entertainment and to keep up-to date on all the happenings at ISH News: WhatsApp Channel: https://ish.news/ish-whatsapp Facebook:   / ishnews   Twitter:   / ishnews_tv   Instagram:   / ishnews   Official Site: http://www.ishnews.tv/ Thanks for watching!! Favourites, Likes, Feedbacks & Shares are always appreciated.