Sonam Wangchuk Launches Fresh Hunger Strike Over Dharmendra Pradhan Demand; Here's A Look At His Past Protests

Social innovator and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk began an indefinite hunger strike at Delhi's Jantar Mantar on Sunday, June 28, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The fast marks another major protest in Wangchuk's long journey of activism, with the Ladakh-based educator once again choosing a peaceful hunger strike to press for change.

Wangchuk has joined the ongoing agitation led by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), which has been protesting since June 20 over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations and the NEET paper leak controversy. Organisers expect students, parents and civil society groups from across the country to gather at Jantar Mantar in support of the movement.

Sonam Wangchuk Joins CJP Protest

The CJP announced that Wangchuk would begin his fast at 11 am on June 28, urging people to stand in support of education reforms and accountability.

In a post on X, the party wrote, "On 28th June, Tomorrow Sonam Wangchuk will be starting his hunger strike to demand accountability from this insensitive government. An innovator & educator from a remote land of Ladakh is ready to sacrifice a lot for the crores of students from across India. Let's Stand With Him, Visit Him On 28th June At Jantar Mantar!"

Party founder Abhijeet Dipke said Wangchuk had decided to undertake the hunger strike in support of the demand for education reforms and the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan. He appealed to students, parents and citizens to participate in large numbers.

The protest has already entered its eighth day. A student from Chhattisgarh has also been on an indefinite hunger strike for the last two days, saying he would continue consuming only water until the government acts on the demands for education reforms. Dipke later requested the student to end his fast, assuring him that the movement would continue.

1994: Operation New Hope Changed Ladakh's Education System

Long before his nationwide protests, Wangchuk led one of Ladakh's most significant education reform campaigns through the Students' Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL).

Known as Operation New Hope, the initiative focused on improving the region's struggling education system by working with teachers, village communities and the administration. Rather than staging demonstrations, Wangchuk built a grassroots movement that promoted practical learning over rote education. The campaign significantly improved school performance and laid the foundation for his reputation as an education reformer.

2023: Climate Fast And Khardung La Protest

In January 2023, Wangchuk announced a hunger strike at the Khardung La Pass on Republic Day to demand constitutional safeguards for Ladakh while highlighting the region's environmental challenges. Authorities stopped him from reaching the location, citing severe weather conditions, though Wangchuk claimed he had effectively been placed under house arrest.

The following month, in February 2023, he observed a five-day Climate Fast at the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives, Ladakh (HIAL). The protest focused on melting glaciers, water scarcity and the need to protect the fragile Himalayan ecosystem from unchecked development.

2024: The 21-Day Hunger Strike For Ladakh

One of Wangchuk's biggest public movements came in March 2024 when he undertook a 21-day hunger strike that drew national attention.

Surviving mainly on salt and water, he demanded Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh, statehood, constitutional protection for land and jobs, environmental safeguards and stronger democratic representation. The protest witnessed massive public participation, with relay hunger strikes continuing even after Wangchuk concluded his fast.

2024: Border March And Delhi Chalo Campaign

Soon after ending the 21-day fast, Wangchuk launched a border march in April 2024 to draw attention to climate change, ecological concerns and the challenges faced by remote Himalayan border villages.

Later that year, he led the 'Delhi Chalo Padyatra', marching with hundreds of supporters from Ladakh towards the national capital. The campaign sought Sixth Schedule status, statehood, land rights and job protection for Ladakh. Wangchuk and several supporters were detained by Delhi Police after reaching the Singhu border before being released.

2025: Another Hunger Strike For Ladakh's Constitutional Rights

In September 2025, Wangchuk again resorted to a prolonged hunger strike, renewing his demand for statehood and Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh.

The movement continued until violence broke out in Leh, following which Wangchuk was arrested. Despite the setback, the protest reinforced his long-standing campaign for constitutional safeguards and protection of Ladakh's identity.

Hunger Strikes Remain Wangchuk's Chosen Form Of Protest

Over the years, Wangchuk has consistently relied on peaceful protests and hunger strikes to highlight issues ranging from education reforms and climate change to constitutional safeguards for Ladakh.

His latest hunger strike at Jantar Mantar marks a shift from regional issues to a nationwide campaign for education reforms. By joining the CJP-led agitation demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Wangchuk has once again chosen non-violent protest to amplify a cause he believes affects millions of students across the country.