The indefinite hunger strike at Delhi's Jantar Mantar entered its 22nd day on Sunday, with Neha, Ameen Amitoj and Manish Kumar, three leaders associated with the All India Students' Association (AISA), continuing their protest despite growing concerns over their health. The demonstration intensified following the hospitalisation of activist Sonam Wangchuk on the previous day, while organisers confirmed that the planned July 20 Parliament march would proceed as scheduled.

The protest, demanding accountability from the Union Education Ministry, has drawn support from student groups, teachers' organisations and civil society members.

Three Student Activists Continue Fast

The three hunger strikers have remained at the protest site after Sonam Wangchuk was shifted to Delhi's Safdarjung Hospital on medical advice.

According to organisers:

• Neha, AISA president and a PhD scholar in Theatre and Performance Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), reportedly began the fast at 66 kg and has lost 7.5 kg.
• Ameen Amitoj, a PhD scholar in Urban Studies at Dr B.R. Ambedkar University Delhi and a participant in the 2020–21 farmers' protest, reportedly started at 69.3 kg and has lost 9.3 kg.
• Manish Kumar, AISA's Uttar Pradesh president and a PhD scholar in Political Science at Allahabad University, reportedly began the fast at 85.7 kg and has lost 10.4 kg.

Doctors have continued monitoring their health, with fresh medical assessments expected as the fast extends beyond three weeks.

Protest Continues After Sonam Wangchuk's Hospitalisation

The protest gained renewed attention after activist Sonam Wangchuk was shifted from Jantar Mantar to Safdarjung Hospital on Saturday.

Delhi Police stated that the decision was taken following expert medical advice and in compliance with directions of the Delhi High Court because of concerns over his deteriorating health. Police said some protesters attempted to obstruct the transfer but denied allegations of a lathi charge or mass detention.

Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali J. Angmo, said he continues his hunger strike in hospital, consuming only salt water. She questioned the necessity of shifting him, stating that the High Court had directed regular health monitoring rather than hospitalisation.

AISA Alleges Attempt to End Peaceful Protest

Addressing supporters, Neha alleged that police personnel in plain clothes and uniform attempted to remove the remaining hunger strikers after Wangchuk's transfer.

She claimed that volunteers prevented their detention and accused authorities of attempting to end what she described as a peaceful and democratic protest. Neha also appealed to students and citizens to join the ongoing movement, stating that the agitation would continue until their demands were addressed.

Parliament March Scheduled to Go Ahead

Organisers reiterated that the planned Parliament march on July 20 would proceed despite the developments.

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) also extended support to the agitation. Party chief Abhijeet Dipke, who has begun his own hunger strike, alleged that electricity supply at the protest site had been disrupted and claimed authorities were preparing for a crackdown. Delhi Police has not publicly responded to these allegations.

Teachers Extend Support

The Jawaharlal Nehru University Teachers Association (JNUTA) criticised the reported police action and expressed solidarity with the protesting students. The association described the movement as part of a broader struggle over the future of education in India while appealing to teachers nationwide to participate in Monday's Parliament march.

At the same time, JNUTA urged those on an indefinite fast to consider alternative forms of protest that would allow the movement to continue without further risking their health.