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🇳🇵 Nepal /Health & Science

Indian activist moved to hospital against his will during hunger strike

From Kathmandu Post · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • Social activist Sonam Wangchuk was forcibly moved to a hospital in Delhi on Saturday as his hunger strike entered its 21st day.
  • Wangchuk is protesting alleged exam paper leaks and demanding the education minister's resignation, drawing significant social media attention.
  • Authorities cited court orders and medical advice for the move, while supporters expressed concern about his whereabouts and continued protests.

Authorities in Delhi forcibly transferred social activist Sonam Wangchuk to a hospital on Saturday, marking the 21st day of his hunger strike. Wangchuk had been fasting since June 28, demanding the resignation of the federal education minister over exam paper leaks that affected millions of students. His protest has become a notable public challenge to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government, gaining widespread support and visibility on social media.

Security personnel, some in plain clothes, used large white cloth sheets to shield the area as Wangchuk was taken away. Deputy Commissioner of Police Sachin Sharma stated that the move complied with a court order and was based on health conditions and medical advice, aiming to provide "much-needed medical intervention." Wangchuk had previously expressed his wish not to be moved to a hospital.

In compliance with the court’s order, and based on health conditions and medical advice, Mr Sonam Wangchuk has been moved from here to an appropriate government hospital ​for much-needed medical intervention.

— Sachin SharmaDeputy Commissioner of Police Sachin Sharma told reporters at the site explaining the activist's transfer.

Safdarjung Hospital reported that Wangchuk is weak from prolonged fasting and dehydration but is stable and requires continuous monitoring. Doctors are concerned about hypokalemia, a potentially life-threatening drop in blood potassium levels. The Delhi High Court had previously urged authorities to closely monitor Wangchuk's health and intervene if necessary.

Police also dispersed some supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) who were staging a sit-in. However, hundreds returned later, and CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke began his own hunger strike after Wangchuk was removed. The CJP plans to march on India's parliament during the monsoon session to press their demands for the minister's resignation and exam reforms. Wangchuk has previously faced accusations from the government regarding provocative statements during protests in Ladakh.

They dragged Sonam Sir away ... We have no idea where they have taken him.

— Abhijeet DipkeCJP founder Abhijeet Dipke told reporters after Wangchuk was taken away.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Kathmandu Post in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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