Indian activist on hunger strike at 'cockroach' protest loses 8.2kg

A significant story is unfolding on the international scene. Indian activist on hunger strike at 'cockroach' protest loses 8. 2kgImage source, Hindustan Times via Getty ImagesImage caption, Sonam Wangchuk, 59, has been on a hunger strike for more than two weeksByGeeta Pandey and Nikita YadavBBC News, Delhi, Reporting fromJantar Mantar, Delhi Published3 hours ago"I'm weak from the outside, but I'm strong from inside. " That's what a frail-looking Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on a protest hunger strike in the Indian capital, Delhi, for the past 16 days, told the on Monday.

According to the latest health bulletin released on Monday morning, Wangchuk "has lost 8. 2kg , his blood pressure is 107 by 70 and his sugar levels are down to 67". His worsening health parameters are causing serious alarm among his supporters, with thousands appealing to him to end his fast.

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But Wangchuk, 59, remains steadfast. "I have to take what I've begun to its logical conclusion," he said. The protest at Jantar Mantar - an 18th Century astronomical observatory and the capital's best-known protest site - was started by an online satirical movement called the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) who are demanding educational reforms in India.

Led by founder Abhijeet Dipke, the CJP's immediate demand is the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan after a key entrance exam for aspiring doctors was cancelled in early May following a paper leak. The protesters say Pradhan must take moral responsibility for the leak and quit. Pradhan has refused to quit, dismissing, external CJP and its supporters as "the B-team of disruptive elements" who "do not have faith in the country's progress".

Wangchuk, an engineer, a respected educationist and climate activist from the remote Himalayan region of Ladakh, joined the protest on 29 June and began an indefinite hunger strike. Describing himself as a follower of Indian independence leader Mahatma Gandhi, Wangchuk says he believes in his philosophy of non-violent protests and - just like Gandhi - is using hunger strike to awaken the conscience of the government. Image source, Geeta Pandey/BBCImage caption, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke says they are worried about Wangchuk's deteriorating heathPopularly known as "Sonam sir", Wangchuk is one of Ladakh's best-known public figures and a well-known name in India whose work has earned international recognition.

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A mechanical engineer by training, Wangchuk also focused on finding ways to help Ladakh adapt to climate change. He is best known for developing the "ice stupa" - an artificial cone-shaped glacier inspired by Buddhist stupas - that stores water during winter and releases it in late spring, when farmers need it most. His work has earned him several honours - including the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2018, often referred to as Asia's highest honour.

He was the inspiration for Three Idiots, the 2009 superhit Bollywood film.

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.