The hunger strike of social and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has entered its 20th day this Friday, marking a critical phase in his protest. Reports indicate that his health has reached an extremely serious stage due to the prolonged period of fasting. Medical experts have raised alarms that the lack of nutrition is now beginning to impact his internal organs, while over the course of this strike, Wangchuk has lost more than 9 kilograms of body weight, yet he remains steadfast in his decision not to end the fast until his demands are addressed by the government.
Judicial Intervention and Health Concerns
The Delhi High Court expressed deep concern over Wangchuk's declining health during a hearing on Thursday. The court emphasized that the life of every citizen is invaluable and instructed the government to take all necessary measures to preserve it. Specifically, the court directed the central government to ensure that government doctors conduct daily health check-ups and maintain continuous clinical monitoring of the activist. Despite these medical warnings and the court's observations, Wangchuk has shown no signs of relenting.
Wangchuk's Stance and Future Plans
In a video message released late Wednesday night, Sonam Wangchuk reiterated his commitment to the protest. Despite numerous appeals from political leaders and supporters to end his fast, he stated that terminating the strike without any response from the government would send a wrong message to the public, while he further urged citizens to participate in the proposed parliament march scheduled for 20 July, organized by the Cockroach Janta Party, to show their support for the cause.
The Government's Dilemma and the Irom Sharmila Precedent
As Wangchuk's condition worsens and the opposition rallies behind him, the government faces a difficult choice. With the High Court's mandate to save his life, observers are questioning whether the government will resort to methods used in the past for long-term hunger strikers. A prominent example being discussed is that of Irom Sharmila, known as the Iron Lady of Manipur, who maintained a hunger strike for 16 years.
The Legacy of Irom Sharmila's Protest
Irom Sharmila began her historic protest in November 2000, demanding the repeal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in Manipur. This law provides extraordinary powers and legal immunity to security forces dealing with insurgency. Her protest was triggered by the Malom massacre on 2 November 2000, where 10 civilians waiting at a bus stop were shot dead by Assam Rifles personnel. Sharmila began her fast on 5 November near the site of the killings.
Force-Feeding and the Nasogastric Tube
Following her arrest on charges of attempted suicide, which was illegal under the Indian Penal Code at the time, Sharmila was placed in judicial custody. To keep her alive, the government resorted to nasogastric intubation. On 21 November 2000, the 17th day of her strike, a tube was forcibly inserted through her nose to provide liquid nutrients. For the next 16 years, she spent most of her time in a hospital room guarded by armed personnel and monitored by a team of doctors and nurses. This procedure, sometimes performed three times a day, involved pumping a mixture of nutrients and water through a 3 feet long tube connecting her nose to her stomach. This tube eventually became a symbol of her long struggle, while sharmila finally ended her fast in August 2016, ahead of the state assembly elections, by tasting a drop of honey from her palm. It was the first time she had voluntarily consumed anything since 4 November 2000.