Indian activist Sonam Wangchuk forcibly moved to hospital after 20-day hunger strike

Activist Sonam Wangchuk was forcibly moved to a hospital by Delhi police on Saturday, citing health concerns after he completed 20 days of a hunger strike. Wangchuk, 59, began his fast on June 28, protesting alleged irregularities in India's examination system and demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

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As per the orders of … high court and on expert medical advice due to deteriorating health condition of Sonam Wangchuk, he has been shifted to the hospital for essential medical care.

Hundreds of students joined Wangchuk at his protest site in New Delhi's Jantar Mantar, with additional protests organized online by the satirical Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). A statement from a deputy commissioner of Delhi police indicated that Wangchuk was shifted to the hospital following high court orders and expert medical advice due to his deteriorating health. The statement also mentioned that protestors attempted to obstruct the process, leading to a minor commotion.

The Delhi High Court had previously ordered government doctors to monitor Wangchuk's health daily. The court emphasized the value of every citizen's life and stated that any necessary medical intervention to save Wangchuk should be performed. This order came after a petition filed by activist lawyer Rakesh Kumar Saini warned of Wangchuk's potential survival being at risk if he did not end his fast.

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While complying with the orders … the protestors tried to create obstruction, in which slight commotion ensued.

Visuals from Jantar Mantar showed confusion among Wangchuk's supporters as police, using white sheets, hurried him away from the stage. Some CJP supporters staging a sit-in were also asked to vacate the area, with one woman protester being physically carried away by police. News agency ANI reported that Wangchuk was conscious and his vital signs were stable at the hospital.

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We request the protestors at Jantar Mantar to peacefully vacate the place at the earliest.

Hours before his removal, Wangchuk commented on the power of smaller movements to influence governments in India, particularly concerning education. He has been a central figure in CJP's protests, lying on a mattress on stage. Last year, the Modi government accused Wangchuk of inciting people with provocative statements during violent protests in Ladakh, leading to his six-month detention before his release in March. Wangchuk has denied these allegations.

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They dragged Sonam Sir away … a 60-year-old man, who had been on a hunger strike for 20 days and hadn’t eaten a thing, was forcibly dragged away by the Delhi Police. We have no idea where they have taken him.