Hunger strike by three AISA activists enters 23rd day in Delhi
New Delhi: A hunger strike by three activists of the All India Students’ Association (AISA) at New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar entered its 23rd day on Monday, with organisers saying the proposed July 20 march to Parliament will go ahead. The protest is being held to demand the resignation of Indian Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over paper leaks.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Neha, AISA president and PhD scholar at Jawaharlal Nehru University, Ameen Amitoj, PhD scholar at Dr B.R. Ambedkar University Delhi, and Manish Kumar, AISA Uttar Pradesh president and PhD scholar at Allahabad University, are continuing the indefinite fast.
Organisers said Neha had lost 7.5 kg since the start of the fast, Ameen Amitoj 9.3 kg and Manish Kumar 10.4 kg. Doctors continued to monitor their health, with a fresh medical assessment expected. Volunteers remained at the site as supporters gathered.
The protest gained attention after activist Sonam Wangchuk was shifted to Safdarjung Hospital on Saturday, the 21st day of his hunger strike.
Delhi Police said he was moved on expert medical advice and in compliance with Delhi High Court directions due to deteriorating health. Officials added that some protesters tried to obstruct the process but there was no lathi charge or detention.
Wangchuk’s family said he was continuing the fast in hospital with only salt water, and questioned the decision to hospitalise him.
Neha alleged that police also attempted to remove the remaining protesters.
Meanwhile, Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) chief Abhijeet Dipke began a hunger strike at the site. The CJP alleged electricity supply to the protest area was cut and appealed to citizens to join a night vigil at Jantar Mantar.
It said the July 20 march to Parliament would proceed as scheduled. The Jawaharlal Nehru University Teachers Association also issued a statement on the protest. It urged those on hunger strike to consider a more sustainable form of protest while continuing the movement, and appealed to teachers to join the planned march.
