New Delhi — Fifteen days after a sit‑in began outside the Central Joint Parliamentary (CJP) office, the health of activist Wangchuk, who has been on a hunger strike since June 1, appears to be deteriorating, according to on‑site observers and his legal counsel. The 31‑year‑old Ladakhi advocate, who launched the fast to demand the removal of senior bureaucrat Pradeep Pradhan over a contested Ladakh land‑reform case, was described on Thursday as “weak, pale and experiencing dizziness.”
In a video posted to social media, protest leader Dipankar Dipke warned that the government would bear responsibility if anything were to happen to Wangchuk. “If anything happens to him, the government will be responsible,” Dipke said, adding a pointed question: “Why has Pradhan not been sacked yet?”
The protest, organized by the Centre for Justice and Peace (CJP), has drawn attention from local politicians and civil‑society groups, yet the Ministry of Home Affairs has not issued a statement on Pradhan’s status, and no disciplinary action has been announced. The CJP has submitted a formal petition to the Prime Minister’s Office seeking Pradhan’s dismissal, alleging procedural violations in the Ladakh land‑reform order that, according to the petition, disadvantaged local communities and contravened existing statutes.
Government officials declined to comment on the protest or on Wangchuk’s health when approached for comment.
What happened
– June 1: Wangchuk began a hunger strike outside the CJP office, demanding the removal of Pradeep Pradhan.
– June 14: On‑site observers reported visible signs of health decline in Wangchuk; his legal team corroborated the observations.
– June 14: Dipankar Dipke posted a video stating that the government would be responsible for any harm to the activist and questioning why Pradhan had not yet been dismissed.
Why it matters
The protest highlights lingering discontent over the implementation of land‑reform policies in Ladakh, a region where central directives have historically been contested by local stakeholders. A prolonged hunger strike that reaches the two‑week mark raises the risk of serious medical complications, thereby increasing pressure on authorities to address the protest’s core demand.
Dipke’s public warning shifts moral responsibility onto the government, framing any adverse health outcome for Wangchuk as a direct consequence of administrative inaction. This rhetorical move seeks to compel a response by linking the bureaucrat’s alleged misconduct with potential harm to a protester’s life.
Background and context
– Ladakh land‑reform case: The protest is rooted in a specific land‑reform order that local activists claim was mishandled by Pradeep Pradhan, a senior bureaucrat. The CJP’s petition alleges procedural violations and adverse impacts on local communities, though the precise legal arguments and evidence remain confined to the petition filed with the Prime Minister’s Office.
– Centre for Justice and Peace (CJP): The CJP is a civil‑society organization that frequently engages in advocacy on governance and human‑rights issues. In this instance, it has organized the sit‑in and filed the petition, positioning itself as the primary conduit for the protest’s demands.
– Government response: To date, the Ministry of Home Affairs has not released a statement regarding Pradhan’s employment status, nor have any disciplinary measures been publicly announced. This silence has been interpreted by protest leaders as a lack of accountability.
Competing claims and uncertainty
– Activist claim: Wangchuk and the CJP assert that Pradhan’s actions in the land‑reform case constitute a breach of statutory procedure, justifying his removal.
– Government position: No official comment has been provided, leaving the government’s stance on the allegations and on any internal review of Pradhan’s conduct undocumented.
– Health assessment: Observers on the ground reported Wangchuk’s weakened condition, but no medical report has been released to confirm the severity of his health status or to outline any treatment plan. The lack of an independent medical statement introduces uncertainty about the exact risk level.
What to watch next
1. Medical updates: Any official medical assessment of Wangchuk’s condition, including whether he has been admitted for treatment, will be a key indicator of the protest’s immediate human‑rights implications.
2. Government statement: A response from the Ministry of Home Affairs or the Prime Minister’s Office—whether confirming an internal review, announcing disciplinary action, or denying the allegations—will shape the next phase of the protest.
3. Legal filings: The outcome of the CJP’s petition, including any court or administrative orders, will determine whether Pradhan faces removal or other sanctions.
4. Protest dynamics: The continuation or escalation of the sit‑in, including potential involvement of additional civil‑society groups or political parties, will affect public perception and pressure on authorities.
Conclusion
The 15‑day hunger strike by activist Wangchuk has entered a critical health window, prompting protest leader Dipankar Dipke to publicly hold the government accountable for any adverse outcome. While the CJP’s petition alleges procedural misconduct by senior bureaucrat Pradeep Pradhan, the absence of an official government response leaves the core allegation unresolved. As the protest persists, the interplay between activist health concerns, bureaucratic accountability, and governmental silence will likely determine whether the demand for Pradhan’s dismissal gains traction or remains a contested grievance.
Sources
– “Day 15 of CJP protest: Fasting Wangchuk’s health worsens; ‘Why Pradhan not sacked yet,’ Dipke asks,” The Hindu, June 14 2026, https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/day-15-of-cjp-protest-fasting-wangchuks-health-worsens-why-pradhan-not-sacked-yet-dipke-asks/article71181987.ece
Story synopsis gathered from: The Hindu – National — source
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