Sonakshi Sinha, Dia Mirza stand with Sonam Wangchuk, urge peace and unity

Actors Sonakshi Sinha and Dia Mirza have extended their support to education reformer and activist Sonam Wangchuk amid the ongoing student-led protest. Their statements came after Wangchuk was escorted away by police from Jantar Mantar in New Delhi in the early hours of Saturday while he was on a hunger strike. As the protest continued to gather momentum, both actors urged people to stand in solidarity with the movement.In a video shared on Instagram, Sonakshi criticised the police action and expressed relief that Wangchuk was safe. "What happened with Sonam sir today wasn't right. I am glad that he's okay and that his wife is with him. He's strong, he's alert. Over the last few days, I have seen him and the thousands standing with him," she said.The Dahaad actor then praised the students and youth standing with the activist and said, “No matter what has been going on, they have stayed calm, respectful, and have kept their point forward without violence. We all know the country’s strength is in its youth. Now, I feel like that’s true after looking at them. Even after all the discomfort, disappointment and difficulties, the way you have held on to your beliefs, hats off to you.”The actor concluded her video with a special request to all those marching to Parliament on July 20, saying, “Raise your voice, but stay the same way you are, which is your movement’s biggest strength. Peace, unity and respect.” Dia also extended her support to Wangchuk and the protesting students through a statement shared on Instagram. Backing their demands, she said she stood with those seeking greater accountability, transparency and meaningful reforms in India's education system, while expressing solidarity with the peaceful movement.The post also mentioned fellow hunger strikers Neha, Ameen and Manish, drawing attention not only to Wangchuk but also to the young protesters leading the movement.“I stand with the students of this nation. I support the right to peaceful protest. I stand by the demand for accountability, transparency and reforms in our education system. I stand with Sonam Wangchuk, Neha and Ameen and Manish (sic),” she wrote.She captioned the post, “I hear you, I see you, I stand by you." I have been and will continue to support the students of my country. I hear you, I see you, I stand by you. I support Sonam ji’s demand for dialogue. I support his right to protest (sic).”Sonakshi Sinha and Dia Mirza joined the league of stars, including Hrithik Roshan, Omi Vaidya, Zeenat Aman, Prakash Raj, Naseeruddin Shah, Ratna Pathak Shah, Soni Razdan and Abhay Deol among others who had also voiced support for Sonam Wangchuk and the CJP (Cockroach Janta Party) protest.Sonam Wangchuk’s healthSonam Wangchuk has been hospitalised. The 59-year-old activist has refused intravenous fluids, oral rehydration solution (ORS) and other medications despite showing signs of dehydration and metabolic abnormalities, Safdarjung Hospital authorities said on Saturday.He was admitted to the government-run hospital after his health deteriorated following a 20-day hunger strike. According to the hospital, Wangchuk remains under continuous medical observation and is being counselled to accept treatment in the interest of his health. He was shifted from Jantar Mantar after police cited medical advice and directions issued by the Delhi High Court.Wangchuk began his indefinite hunger strike on June 28 in support of the Cockroach Janta Party-led protest over alleged irregularities in the NEET and other competitive examinations, as well as the reported deaths of students linked to the issue. His health has steadily deteriorated over the course of the three-week-long fast.- EndsPublished By: Prachi aryaPublished On: Jul 19, 2026 09:36 IST