Sonam Wangchuk’s Hunger Strike Enters 19th Day as Protests Intensify Over Education System Crisis Sonam Wangchuk, a climate activist and engineer, has entered the 19th day of his hunger strike in Delhi, becoming the central figure of India’s Cockroach Janta party (CJP) protests. The 46-year-old, known for his work in Ladakh on climate issues, has refused to eat since June 28, joining a movement demanding systemic reforms to India’s education system and the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. His weakened state, marked by extreme physical and mental strain, has drawn urgent concern from medical professionals and activists, while the government remains unresponsive to the protesters’ calls. Wangchuk, who has lost nearly 9 kilograms during the fast, lies on an improvised stage under an awning, supported by pillows and bolsters. His condition has deteriorated to the point where he can barely move without assistance, and his speech is limited to fragmented whispers. On day 18, a court ordered authorities to monitor his health, citing the risks of severe starvation, which can lead to muscle breakdown, impaired brain function, and electrolyte imbalances. Despite these warnings, the government has not intervened, leaving Wangchuk’s health in limbo. The protests, centered at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, have grown into a nationwide movement fueled by outrage over the cancellation of a key medical entrance exam in early May. The leak of the exam paper left two million students in despair, with at least a dozen reportedly taking their own lives after being forced to retake the test.#sonam_wangchuk #modi_government #dharmendra_pradhan #cockroach_janta_party #jantar_mantar
Sonia Gandhi Criticizes Modi Government's Silence on Khamenei Assassination Sonia Gandhi, Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson, has sharply criticized the Modi government for its silence on the targeted assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, calling it an abdication of India's foreign policy principles. In an article published in a prominent newspaper, she argued that the government's lack of condemnation of the attack or the violation of Iranian sovereignty raises serious doubts about the direction and credibility of India's international stance. Gandhi emphasized that the assassination, carried out by the United States and Israel, represents a grave rupture in global relations and demands a clear and principled response from India. The incident occurred on March 1, 2026, when Iran confirmed the death of Khamenei in a U.S.-led strike. Gandhi highlighted that the killing of a sitting head of state during ongoing diplomatic negotiations marks a significant breakdown in international norms. She pointed out that the Indian government has refrained from addressing the attack, despite its implications for global order. Initially, Modi condemned Iran's retaliatory strike on the UAE but avoided addressing the preceding events. Later, his statements about "deep concern" and "dialogue and diplomacy" were criticized as insufficient, given the context of the unprovoked attacks. Gandhi argued that India's silence on the matter undermines its commitment to sovereignty and international law. She referenced Article 2(4) of the UN Charter, which prohibits the use of force against the territorial integrity of states, and stressed that the assassination violates these principles.#iran #united_states #sonia_gandhi #modi_government #khamenei_assassination
