Wangchuk ends hunger strike, decries 'North Korea-like' hospital detention

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has ended his 26-day hunger strike, expressing anger and hurt over criticism questioning his decision to break the fast without Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation.

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I was hurt and angry to see that some people were raising questions about why I chose to break my fast in front of two Union Ministers and not students and Cockroach Janata Party leaders.

In a YouTube video statement, Wangchuk described his experience at Safdarjung Hospital as a "North Korea-like detention." He alleged that authorities kept him under tight surveillance, allowing only three relatives to visit. He also claimed that officials delayed his transfer to Medanta Hospital for nearly five hours, despite a Delhi High Court order, stating they had not received it. Wangchuk released footage showing him confronting a police official and lying on the hospital floor in protest.

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those raising the questions were unaware of my “North Korea-like detention” at Safdarjung Hospital.

Wangchuk explained his rationale for ending the fast, stating that the government's failure to secure Pradhan's resignation was already causing public anger. He believes the minister will eventually step down. The government agreed to two of his demands: compensation for suicide victims and a parliamentary discussion on the issue. However, Wangchuk prioritized protecting protesters from legal action over Pradhan's resignation, which he felt students would pursue regardless.

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I didn’t want the CJP leaders and students to face legal troubles. So I insisted on not ending my hunger strike without assurance of no legal action against protesters.

He also cited the potential for violence as a reason to end the hunger strike. Wangchuk's decision comes amid allegations from some politicians that he made a "secret deal" with the BJP. The activist had been on an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar.

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By not taking the resignation (of Dharmendra Pradhan), the government was facing nationwide anger and hatred.