Jantar Mantar Updates | Sonam Wangchuk Begins Indefinite Hunger Strike in Support of CJP's Education Accountability Demands

New Delhi- Renowned Ladakhi climate activist, education reformer, and Ramon Magsaysay Awardee Sonam Wangchuk on Sunday, commenced an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, joining the ongoing peaceful protests by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). The move escalates the student-led movement's call for systemic reforms in India's education sector, particularly in response to repeated examination irregularities, including the NEET paper leak scandal, and demands the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Parents, supporters, and CJP members gathered at the site as Wangchuk began his fast. The protest, which has been running for over a week under CJP's banner, highlights widespread concerns over student safety, mental health, examination malpractices, and the lack of accountability in educational institutions.

Before proceeding to Jantar Mantar, Wangchuk and the CJP team visited Rajghat to pay tributes to Mahatma Gandhi, underscoring the movement's commitment to non-violent, principled resistance.

In a significant emotional moment, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke posted about the visit by the family of Amaira, a 9-year-old student who died by suicide in November 2025 after alleged bullying at Neerja Modi School, one of Rajasthan’s prominent private schools in Jaipur. On what would have been Amaira’s birthday, her family brought food for the protesting students and joined the demonstration.

Dipke wrote: “Amaira’s family came to our protest today, on her birthday, with food for the students who are protesting. Amaira was just 9 years old when she died by suicide after being bullied at school. The school was Neerja Modi School, one of Rajasthan’s biggest schools. After Amaira jumped from the fourth floor, the first thing the school administration did was clean the blood from the spot so that the media and others could not see it. Eight months later, Amaira’s family is still fighting for justice. Yet no action has been taken against the school administration, the principal, or the teacher. Today, on Amaira’s birthday, CJP pays tribute to her. We will stand with her family until she gets justice.”

The CJP protest, initiated by Abhijeet Dipke, has drawn attention to multiple issues, including paper leaks, student suicides linked to academic pressure, and the need for broader education reforms. Wangchuk had previously announced his decision to fast if the government failed to address the demands by June 27, framing it as solidarity with affected students and families.

The hunger strike is expected to continue until concrete actions are taken by the authorities. Supporters emphasize the protest’s peaceful nature and its focus on justice for victims like Amaira and systemic change to prevent future tragedies in schools and examination processes. As the demonstration gains momentum, it reflects growing nationwide frustration among students, parents, and activists over governance in the education sector. CJP and Wangchuk have called for continued public support while maintaining non-violent means inspired by Gandhian principles.