Climate activist and education reform advocate Sonam Wangchuk has declared that he will launch an indefinite hunger strike at Delhi's Jantar Mantar starting Sunday, June 28, 2026, unless the central government responds to his demands concerning education reforms and the preservation of Ladakh's environment and culture.
Wangchuk's Ultimatum from Geneva
In a video message recorded at the "Jantar Mantar of Geneva" — the designated protest area outside the United Nations office — Wangchuk stated that he had returned from Switzerland to evaluate whether the government had acted on the issues he raised before leaving. Behind him stood the United Nations building and the Broken Chair monument, which he described as a symbol of the struggle for rights.
"You may remember that I had said I would return from Switzerland, meet you and see whether our demands had been fulfilled," Wangchuk said in the video, released on Thursday, June 25, 2026.
Demands on Education and Ladakh
Wangchuk reiterated the appeal he made the previous Saturday, calling on the government to take responsibility for addressing concerns in both education and Ladakh. "The government should take responsibility, whether it is your voice in the field of education or Ladakh's voice on environment and culture. If no such responsibility is taken, I will sit on an indefinite fast with all of you at Jantar Mantar in the coming week," he warned.
According to Wangchuk, there has been no accountability on either issue. "By the time Saturday ends, I will go on a fast from Sunday. If even one of these demands is accepted, I will not have to go on a fast. At least one issue should be resolved," he added.
Ongoing NEET Protest at Jantar Mantar
Wangchuk's announcement coincides with an ongoing indefinite protest led by Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party, over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination. The protest at Jantar Mantar entered its sixth day on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, with demonstrators demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Despite directions to vacate the site, protesters have refused to leave.
Background of Wangchuk's Activism
Sonam Wangchuk, known for his work in education reform in Ladakh and his climate activism, has previously led campaigns for sustainable development and cultural preservation. His current demands include reforms in the education system to make it more relevant to local needs and stronger protections for Ladakh's fragile environment and unique culture.
The activist's decision to return from Switzerland underscores the urgency he places on these issues. By threatening an indefinite fast, Wangchuk aims to pressure the central government into taking concrete action. His protest is expected to draw significant attention, given his reputation and the parallel NEET protest already underway at the same location.
