Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike in India is on its 19th day: Her health condition is at critical stage

While the hunger strike launched by climate activist and engineer Sonam Wangchuk in India's capital Delhi has passed a critical threshold, it has been reported that her health condition is gradually deteriorating on the 19th day of the action. Wangchuk, who has become a figure of anti-government protests, continues his protest demanding the resignation of the education minister, without consuming any food other than water. In the footage taken while he was resting backstage in the evening, the weakened activist was seen being rubbed by a physiotherapist to relieve his aching joints. It was reported that Wangchuk, who was leaning on the pillows, whispered to those around him, "I'm sorry, but I can't talk."

What happened?

Sonam Wangchuk, who had a very thin and fit physical structure in the beginning, lost approximately 9 kilos in the following days of the hunger strike. Doctors point out that at this stage of action the human body enters a phase of severe starvation. In this process, the body begins to break down fat and muscle tissues to produce energy; Serious medical problems such as extreme fatigue, slowdown in brain functions and electrolyte imbalance may occur. According to the information in the source text, the activist is resisting calls to end his protest until the education minister leaves office, and the wave of protests continues to make noise across the country.

background

Sonam Wangchuk is known as one of the country's most well-known engineers and activists, known for her environmental and education work in the mountainous regions of northern India. Wangchuk, who has recently become the symbol of the opposition wave against government policies and known as the "Cockroach" party/movement, attracted the attention of large masses with the protest he started in a central location in Delhi. The action demanding the resignation of the minister of education has opened a rare political space for the student opposition in the country and those who are dissatisfied with the general government policies. It is also reported that as the protest grew, tensions occasionally occurred between security forces and protesters.

Why is it important?

This hunger strike is of great importance as it takes place at a time when political tensions between the opposition front in India and the ruling Narendra Modi government are escalating. The fact that an internationally known figure such as Sonam Wangchuk has crossed the critical threshold in her hunger strike increases social pressure on the government. The support of student movements and opposition parties for the action in this process creates a ground for the opposition, which remains scattered against the government, to come together. Concerns are expressed by political observers that possible negative developments that may occur if the health situation worsens may trigger larger social events across the country.

What do experts and parties say?

According to the medical reports in the source text, medical experts warn that a 19-day hunger strike could cause permanent damage to the human body. While those around the activist and his supporters stated that Wangchuk would not give up the action until his demands were met; The steps to be taken by the government and the ministry of education regarding the issue are being closely monitored. Independent observers state that it will become clear in the coming days what kind of negotiation path the government will follow in the face of this resistance.

What to watch next?

In the coming period, the changes in Sonam Wangchuk's health condition and the official statements made by the doctors will be the most critical monitoring points. At the same time, possible hearings at the Delhi High Court, the security forces' approach to the protesters, and new political moves from the opposition are among the topics that should be closely monitored.