Activist Sonam Wangchuk Hospitalized Amidst Exam Protest
Indian activist Sonam Wangchuk, who had been on a hunger strike for 21 days in New Delhi, was reportedly taken into custody by police and subsequently transferred to a hospital. This development unfolded as a planned march from Jantar Mantar to the Indian Parliament, scheduled for July 20, garnered significant attention across social media platforms. The protest, supported by students and the youth-led Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), centers on demands for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan due to alleged irregularities in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) examination.
Court Order Mandates Medical Intervention
Authorities stated that Wangchuk's transfer to a hospital was carried out in compliance with orders from the High Court and based on expert medical advice, citing his deteriorating health. The New Delhi deputy commissioner of police communicated via social media that the activist was moved for essential medical care. The police further reported that while some obstruction attempts by protesters led to minor commotion, maximum restraint was exercised, ensuring a safe transfer. Following the incident, protesters at Jantar Mantar were requested to vacate the historical site.
Earlier in the week, the New Delhi High Court had instructed both the central and Delhi state governments to monitor Wangchuk's health and provide necessary medical attention. This directive followed a petition by an advocate requesting medical intervention and even suggesting force-feeding, drawing parallels to past instances where protesters received medical support to preserve their lives. The court, however, did not explicitly endorse force-feeding.
Youth Party Alleges Forceful Removal and Detention
Leaders of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) voiced strong objections, claiming that police authorities had forcefully removed Wangchuk to an undisclosed location. The CJP disseminated a video on Instagram depicting several individuals in civilian attire approaching the stage where Wangchuk was resting. The footage reportedly showed CJP supporters attempting to impede these individuals, leading to scuffles. Additionally, white sheets were allegedly used by authorities to obscure the view of Wangchuk's detention.
Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the CJP, who was not in close proximity to Wangchuk at the time, reported being prevented from reaching the site by authorities. He posted on social media that the Delhi Police were 'cracking down at Jantar Mantar,' 'beating up people,' and 'taking away Sonam sir forcefully.' Shortly after, Dipke made another post stating, 'I have been beaten up and put under detention by Delhi Police.' According to the CJP, Dipke has since commenced an indefinite hunger strike.
Protest Escalates with Demands for Prime Minister's Resignation
Despite the hospitalization of Wangchuk, the CJP affirmed its commitment to continue the movement. Dipke was quoted by a press agency stating, 'If they think that taking Sonam Sir away will end this movement, they are mistaken. We will remain here, and will march to Parliament on July 20.' He further indicated an escalation in their demands, stating, 'Until now, we were demanding Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation, but after this despicable act, we will now demand the resignation of Narendra Modi,' referring to the Indian Prime Minister.
Wangchuk's Health and Stance on Fasting
Wangchuk, 59, commenced his fast on June 28, expressing solidarity with India's students and the CJP. As of Friday, he had reportedly lost approximately 8.7 kg (19.1 pounds) and displayed visible signs of weakness and muscle loss, according to CJP Founder Abhijeet Dipke. When offered hospitalization on Friday, Wangchuk reportedly stated, 'They don't understand this is not a disease or a disorder. This is a self-chosen fast.'
Hunger strikes, a method of dissent historically employed by figures such as Mahatma Gandhi, remain a significant form of peaceful protest in India, often utilized to draw attention to perceived injustices and press for change.
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