False Narrative Around End of CJP Protest Rejected; Sonam Wangchuk Says Hunger Strike Will End Only After Credible Parliamentary Assurance
Amid widespread speculation that the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest and Sonam Wangchuk’s indefinite hunger strike are coming to an end, leaders associated with the movement have rejected what they describe as a “false narrative.” They have clarified that neither the nationwide campaign nor the broader movement for education accountability has concluded, and that Wangchuk has not announced an unconditional end to his fast.
The clarification comes after reports suggested that Wangchuk was preparing to end his hunger strike. According to statements made by Wangchuk and his wife, Gitanjali Angmo, the activist has only expressed his willingness to end the fast if specific conditions are fulfilled. These include a credible commitment from political leaders that the issues raised by the movement will be taken up during the Monsoon Session of Parliament and receive meaningful parliamentary attention.
Wangchuk has also alleged that while under medical supervision at Safdarjung Hospital, his freedom of movement, speech and communication has been restricted. He maintains that these restrictions have prevented him from interacting freely with supporters and the public, adding that any decision regarding his hunger strike depends on political engagement rather than medical intervention alone.
CJP representatives have stressed that the movement extends beyond one individual’s hunger strike. According to organizers, the campaign seeks accountability over education-related concerns and broader democratic engagement. They argue that portraying the protest as having ended because Wangchuk may eventually discontinue his fast creates a misleading impression about the status of the movement.
The planned ‘Chalo Sansad’ mobilisation also remains central to the campaign despite heightened security restrictions in New Delhi. Authorities have imposed prohibitory measures around Parliament and stated that permission has not been granted for an unauthorized march, while organizers have continued to call on supporters to remain committed to the movement.
Political attention has intensified as Parliament’s Monsoon Session begins. Opposition leaders have voiced support for discussing the issues raised by the protest, while the government has focused on maintaining law and order around the national capital. Whether parliamentary discussions ultimately address the demands raised by Wangchuk and CJP is expected to determine the next phase of the campaign.
With Wangchuk’s health under close medical observation, supporters continue to emphasize that ending a hunger strike should not be interpreted as ending a public movement. As of the latest verified reports, there has been no confirmation that the CJP protest has concluded, and Wangchuk’s willingness to end his fast remains conditional on political assurances rather than an unconditional withdrawal of the agitation.
