New Delhi: Actor Abhay Deol extended support to educator and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk through an Instagram post as Wangchuk continued his indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar. Deol shared a photograph of Wangchuk from the protest site with a broken heart emoji, expressing concern as the fast entered its 17th consecutive day.
The 50-year-old actor did not add a caption to his post, but his gesture came amid growing support from public figures and rising concern over Wangchuk’s health.
Deol’s Bun Tikki co-star Zeenat Aman also backed Wangchuk and appealed to the government. On Instagram, the 74-year-old actor wrote, “My thoughts today are in the country’s capital city where @wangchuksworld is entering the 17th day of his indefinite hunger strike.”
She added that she had read in a news report that Wangchuk “has started losing muscle mass and is in immense pain”. Aman also recalled that when he was asked to end his fast, he said, “Don’t ask me to end my fast. Ask the government why they won’t even have a dialogue.”
Aman highlighted Wangchuk’s contributions as the founder of SECMOL, the innovator behind the ice stupa, a pioneer of educational reform in Ladakh, and an environmentalist and social activist. She also noted that he inspired the character of Phunsuk Wangdu in 3 Idiots.
According to the Cockroach Janta Party, which is leading the protest, Wangchuk has lost nearly 9 kg since beginning his indefinite fast, and his health is reportedly deteriorating. The protest began on June 20, with Wangchuk joining on June 28. The organisation has also announced a peaceful march to Parliament on July 20.
