Atul Kulkarni Announces One-Day Hunger Strike in Solidarity with Sonam Wangchuk
NEW DELHI — Veteran actor Atul Kulkarni has announced a one-day hunger strike from his home on July 16 to support educator and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk. Sharing a video message on social media, Kulkarni appealed directly to the central government to initiate a dialogue with Wangchuk, whose indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar has entered its 19th day.
Wangchuk, alongside the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), is protesting to demand the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan following alleged irregularities and paper leak controversies surrounding the NEET-UG exam.
Wangchuk, alongside the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), is protesting to demand the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan following alleged irregularities and paper leak controversies surrounding the NEET-UG exam.
The meeting, which lasted over four hours, was attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and the chiefs of the Army, Navy and Air Force. Sources within the government described the atmosphere as 'serious but composed'.
The meeting, which lasted over four hours, was attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and the chiefs of the Army, Navy and Air Force. Sources within the government described the atmosphere as 'serious but composed'.
In his emotional video address, Kulkarni explained that his decision stems from a desire to stand in solidarity with the protesting students and activists. "Tomorrow, on July 16, I will be observing a one-day hunger strike from my own home. There are two reasons behind this fast. Firstly, I want to connect with the pain that Sonam ji and his associates are going through. Secondly, I want to request our government to show its sensitivity towards the matter." — Atul Kulkarni. Kulkarni acknowledged that while the protestors believe genuine grievances are driving their demands, the government appears to view the situation differently. However, he expressed faith in the democratic process, adding: "I am not ready to believe that our government is insensitive, because many times we have seen our government express emotions and connect with the pain of the people. Perhaps, in this case, there are some misunderstandings due to which this sensitivity is not being expressed, and a dialogue is not taking place."
"In his emotional video address, Kulkarni explained that his decision stems from a desire to stand in solidarity with the protesting students and activists. "Tomorrow, on July 16, I will be observing a one-day hunger strike from my own home. There are two reasons behind this fast. Firstly, I want to connect with the pain that Sonam ji and his associates are going through. Secondly, I want to request our government to show its sensitivity towards the matter." — Atul Kulkarni. Kulkarni acknowledged that while the protestors believe genuine grievances are driving their demands, the government appears to view the situation differently. However, he expressed faith in the democratic process, adding: "I am not ready to believe that our government is insensitive, because many times we have seen our government express emotions and connect with the pain of the people. Perhaps, in this case, there are some misunderstandings due to which this sensitivity is not being expressed, and a dialogue is not taking place.""
Analysts say the timing of the escalation — coming just weeks before a scheduled bilateral summit — is significant. 'This is pressure diplomacy,' said a former foreign secretary. 'The question is whether New Delhi blinks or holds its ground. History suggests it will hold.'
Analysts say the timing of the escalation — coming just weeks before a scheduled bilateral summit — is significant. 'This is pressure diplomacy,' said a former foreign secretary. 'The question is whether New Delhi blinks or holds its ground. History suggests it will hold.'
The Opposition has called for an emergency session of Parliament to brief MPs on the situation. The government has not yet responded to that demand, though sources indicate a closed-door briefing for party leaders may be arranged as early as Thursday.
The Opposition has called for an emergency session of Parliament to brief MPs on the situation. The government has not yet responded to that demand, though sources indicate a closed-door briefing for party leaders may be arranged as early as Thursday.
Forces on High Alert
The Indian Army's Eastern Command has moved additional troops and equipment to forward positions in Arunachal Pradesh. The Air Force has placed its Sukhoi-30MKI squadrons at Tezpur and Chabua air bases on standby. The Navy, meanwhile, has increased patrol activity in the Indian Ocean Region as a show of strategic depth.
The Indian Army's Eastern Command has moved additional troops and equipment to forward positions in Arunachal Pradesh. The Air Force has placed its Sukhoi-30MKI squadrons at Tezpur and Chabua air bases on standby. The Navy, meanwhile, has increased patrol activity in the Indian Ocean Region as a show of strategic depth.
Markets reacted nervously to the news, with the Sensex falling 450 points in early trade before recovering. The rupee weakened marginally against the dollar before stabilising. Analysts said the market reaction reflected concern but not panic, with most investors expecting a diplomatic resolution.
Markets reacted nervously to the news, with the Sensex falling 450 points in early trade before recovering. The rupee weakened marginally against the dollar before stabilising. Analysts said the market reaction reflected concern but not panic, with most investors expecting a diplomatic resolution.
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