Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has stepped into the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) protest, a move his wife Gitanjali Angmo describes as wholly organic. She says he aims to protect the youth‑driven movement from malicious elements and keep the education agenda on track.

मुख्य बिंदु (Key Takeaways)

  • Sonam Wangchuk joins CJP protest organically
  • His wife Gitanjali Angmo says the decision safeguards the youth movement
  • Wangchuk's hunger strike has severely impacted his health

Sonam Wangchuk, the Ladakh‑born education reformer and 2018 Ramon Magsaysay Award laureate, has entered the protest launched by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) at Jantar Mantar. The demonstration, now in its 26th day, targets irregularities in the NEET exam and demands the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Background and Activist Profile

Before aligning with CJP, Wangchuk was a key figure in a civil‑society drive seeking constitutional safeguards for Ladakh, including statehood and inclusion in the Sixth Schedule to grant tribal status. After being detained under the National Security Act for 170 days following the September 2025 violence in Leh, he was released in March 2026 when the act was revoked.

Wife’s Clarification

His wife, Gitanjali J. Angmo, told The Hindu that Wangchuk’s involvement is “organic” because CJP is a youth‑led movement that could be undermined by “nefarious” forces. She emphasized his desire to “hand‑hold” well‑meaning citizens and push for Minister Pradhan’s resignation as the first step toward accountability.

Hunger Strike and Health Status

Wangchuk has been on a hunger strike for 17 days in Delhi’s hot, humid climate, which he likens to a 34‑day fast in Ladakh’s harsher conditions. His weight has dropped to 57.15 kg—a loss of 8.9 kg since the strike began. Medical bulletins report blood pressure at 105/76 mmHg, blood sugar at 80 mg/dL, oxygen saturation at 97 %, and a need for 24‑hour medical monitoring.

Implications for the Future

If Wangchuk’s participation galvanizes the CJP movement, it could amplify youth dissent on a national scale and compel the government to address transparency in education policy. The protest’s momentum may also force broader discussions on civil liberties and state‑level autonomy in Ladakh.