Indian activist continues 20-day hunger strike over exam paper leak

Indian activist Sonam Wangchuk has refused to end his indefinite hunger strike after 20 days. The 59-year-old has consumed only salt and water and has lost more than 9kg. Wangchuk told supporters at Jantar Mantar in Delhi that he has grown weak from the outside but remains strong from within. His statement drew cheers and applause from the crowd.

Protest demands Wangchuk is supporting an online satirical movement called the Cockroach Janta Party that seeks educational reforms. The group is demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan after a key entrance exam for aspiring doctors was cancelled in early May following a paper leak.

Wangchuk urged the crowd to join a protest march to parliament on 20 July. He said the group would peacefully present its petitions at the altar of democracy.

Political responses Pradhan has dismissed the movement and its supporters as the B-team of disruptive elements. The government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not engaged with the protesters. Opposition figures have called for dialogue. Former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal visited Wangchuk and appealed to the government to listen to students.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said politics has its place but there must also be room for humanity and compassion.

Court intervention The Delhi High Court ordered the government to monitor Wangchuk's health regularly and provide treatment if needed. The federal health ministry has directed three government hospitals to examine the activist twice each day.