‘Peace & Only Peace Is My Way': Sonam Wangchuk Admits Anti-Social Elements Exploiting Protests To Incite Violence, Urges Peace On Day 26 Of Fast

New Delhi: Education reformer and activist Sonam Wangchuk reiterated his commitment to non-violence on Thursday, blaming "antisocial elements" for inciting clashes during the Cockroach Janata Party's recent 'Chalo Sansad' march. Demonstrating on the 26th day of his hunger strike demanding action over the NEET paper leak, Wangchuk expressed grief over the violence and urged demonstrators to exercise utmost restraint.

"DAY 26, PEACE & ONLY PEACE IS MY WAY," Wangchuk shared in a post on X (formerly Twitter). "While at Jantar Mantar the protests remain peaceful I’m pained to learn that elsewhere some antisocial elements are taking advantage of the peaceful protests to provoke violence."

Emphasizing calm despite provocation, he added, "No matter what the other side does our response must only be flowers. Please keep this tradition at all costs,"

Medical Update on Health Status

Wangchuk continues his hunger strike while admitted at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram following a transfer from Safdarjung Hospital. On Thursday, the hospital issued an official update regarding his health, confirming that a multidisciplinary medical team is supervising his care. "Mr Sonam Wangchuk is being treated by a multidisciplinary team of doctors at Medanta Hospital, Gurugram. His condition remains unchanged and he continues to be stable and alert, with vital signs within accepted parameters," the hospital stated.

The facility also clarified, "All treatment being administered to him is in accordance with his informed consent."

Physical Impact and Praise for Protesters

In a video message released on Wednesday, Wangchuk highlighted the physical toll of his prolonged fast while praising young demonstrators for staying calm during the July 20 march despite facing police lathicharge. "I am still alive, and this is the 25th day of my fasting. Till the 25th day, I have lost 11 kilograms of weight, and there is significant muscle loss. However, I am fine," he said.

He lauded the students' resilience, stating, "I appreciate the students who, even after being hit by the lathis, protested peacefully," and added, "Even upon being instigated and some elements being brought in for stone pelting, you remained patient. My heart melted."

Conditions Set for Ending the Fast

Though numerous political figures have appealed to him to call off his protest, Wangchuk made it clear that he will not break his fast without explicit assurances from the government that legal action will not be pursued against demonstrators. "Ministers, opposition leaders with (a letter) signed by 65 MPs appealed to me to end the hunger strike and get back to serving the nation. I also want to do it; my work is important too," Wangchuk remarked.

Laying out his condition for withdrawing the fast, he concluded: "I request the government not to use force against children. I demand an assurance for no accusations or FIRs through which they can be threatened with police or jails. If I get the assurance soon, respecting your sentiments, I can break my fast today. But if I do not receive such assurance, unfortunately I will have to continue my hunger strike,"