Activist Sonam Wangchuk Hospitalized Amidst Hunger Strike, Protests Escalate
In a significant development in ongoing protests in India, activist Sonam Wangchuk was reportedly moved to a hospital by police on Saturday, the 21st day of his hunger strike. This action has led to an escalation of demands from the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which has now called for the resignation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The CJP, a youth-led organization, alleges that Wangchuk was "forcefully" taken from his protest site in New Delhi's Jantar Mantar.
Wangchuk initiated his hunger strike on June 28, expressing solidarity with students protesting alleged irregularities in an entrance examination. His primary demand, until this recent turn of events, was the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The Delhi High Court had previously instructed authorities to monitor Wangchuk's health and ensure he received necessary medical attention.
Controversy Surrounds Hospitalization
The circumstances surrounding Wangchuk's transfer to Safdarjung Hospital have drawn criticism. His wife, Gitanjali Angmo, stated that neither Wangchuk nor his family were informed prior to the move. While Delhi Police asserted that the transfer was carried out in compliance with court orders and based on medical advice due to his deteriorating health, Angmo questioned this explanation. She noted that doctors from Safdarjung Hospital had examined Wangchuk at the protest site the previous evening and reported his vital signs as normal. Angmo further claimed that authorities were unwilling to provide medical reports to substantiate their assertion that his potassium levels had dropped to a life-threatening degree.
The Delhi Police, in a statement on X, maintained that Wangchuk's transfer was for "essential medical care" due to his "deteriorating health condition." However, this statement appears to diverge from the Delhi High Court's earlier directive, which merely ordered daily health monitoring, not a forced hospitalization. The police also reported a "slight commotion" during the transfer, alleging that protesters attempted to obstruct their actions, though they claimed to have exercised "maximum restraint."
CJP Escalates Demands, Founder Begins Indefinite Hunger Strike
Following Wangchuk's hospitalization, Abhijeet Dipke, the founder of the CJP, announced an indefinite hunger strike and declared that the movement would now demand the resignation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Dipke, who was reportedly prevented from reaching the protest site on Saturday, condemned the police's actions, stating that taking Wangchuk away would not deter the movement. He emphasized that while their initial focus was on the Education Minister's resignation, the perceived "despicable act" of forcibly removing Wangchuk necessitated a broader demand for the Prime Minister's resignation.
Dipke also confirmed that a planned march to the Indian Parliament on Monday, July 20, would proceed as scheduled, with Angmo vowing to lead it if Wangchuk is unable to participate. The CJP has called upon supporters to pray for the 59-year-old activist.
Commotion at Jantar Mantar and Continued Protests
The unfolding events at Jantar Mantar were marked by further disruptions. During a press address by Abhijeet Dipke, a woman reportedly threw ink at him. DW correspondent Shalu Yadav reported that the incident occurred as Dipke was speaking about Wangchuk's decision to continue his hunger strike from the hospital. The woman, whose identity remains unknown, was heard chanting "Jai Shri Ram" and was subsequently escorted away by Delhi Police. Dipke later characterized the incident as a "mark of pride" and affirmed his resolve to continue the protest.
Despite Wangchuk's removal, four other individuals who began their hunger strike alongside him on June 28—Neha, Manish, Aameen, and Hamad—continued their protest for the 21st day. Their demonstration has now shifted to the main stage at Jantar Mantar. These four individuals are members of the All India Students' Association (AISA) and PhD scholars from various universities. Hundreds of protesters from different states have gathered at the site, with various organizations marching, chanting slogans, and engaging with the media, demonstrating continued support for the movement's objectives.
The situation remains fluid, with the CJP and its supporters maintaining their stance against what they perceive as government overreach and demanding accountability for the alleged examination irregularities and the treatment of Sonam Wangchuk.
Source: Original Article
