Top News

New Delhi: A coalition of prominent figures, including acclaimed author Arundhati Roy, actors Naseeruddin Shah and Ratna Pathak Shah, along with economist Jayati Ghosh, have urged the individuals on an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar to cease their fast. They expressed their unwavering support for the protesters' demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

In a collective statement released on Monday, the signatories conveyed their profound gratitude to the protesters for their leadership in this movement, while also voicing serious concerns regarding the deteriorating health of those involved.

"We commend your dedication, resolve, and bravery in championing the cause for students and youth nationwide," the statement read.

They implored the hunger strikers to consider ending their fast, stating, "We kindly ask you to think about concluding this hunger strike for the sake of the longer and more challenging struggle that lies ahead. This fight is a marathon, not a sprint, and we need your strength and guidance in the future."

The signatories expressed apprehension that the government's alleged inaction regarding their demands could further endanger the health of the hunger strikers.

"We are concerned that the government's negligence in addressing your demands will only exacerbate the already precarious health conditions many of you are facing," they noted.

This appeal was made on the 24th day of the Cockroach Janta Party's protest at Jantar Mantar and marked the 16th day of educator and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk's indefinite hunger strike.

As per the organizers, Wangchuk has lost 8.2 kilograms since the start of his fast, with his latest medical readings indicating a blood pressure of 107/70 mmHg and a blood glucose level of 67 mg/dL.

AISA activist Deepak, who has been on a hunger strike since June 28, was hospitalized at RML Hospital on Monday due to health complications.

The statement also called upon the residents of Delhi to join the CJP's planned march to Parliament on July 20, coinciding with the beginning of the monsoon session.

In addition to Roy, Shah, Pathak Shah, and Ghosh, the statement was endorsed by academics Anuradha Chenoy, Nivedita Menon, Tanika Sarkar, and Aditya Nigam, filmmaker Sanjay Kak, activist Lalita Ramdas, Kavita Srivastava, feminist Madhu Bhushan, and cultural practitioner Arundhati Ghosh.

The CJP has been protesting at Jantar Mantar, demanding Pradhan's resignation over alleged discrepancies in the NEET examination. Wangchuk joined the protest on June 28 and has been fasting indefinitely since then. The organization has announced a march to Parliament on July 20.