Activist Wangchuk Calls for Parliament March, Alleges 'Illegal Detention'

Activist Sonam Wangchuk has urged supporters to participate in a march to the Indian Parliament scheduled for July 20, describing it as the country's 'second freedom movement'. In a handwritten message shared from Safdarjung Hospital on Sunday, he called for 'freedom from injustice' and 'freedom from fear', linking the former to alleged paper leaks in examinations and the latter to what he termed his 'illegal detention'.

The note, posted on X (formerly Twitter) through his wife Gitanjali J Angmo, read: '20th July. India's second freedom movement. Freedom from injustice (like paper leaks). Freedom from fear [my illegal detention].' It further urged: 'March to the Parliament. Please make it a big success.' The message was signed off with the words: 'Sent through Gitanjali from my illegal detention at Safdarjung.'

The reference to 'illegal detention' reflects Mr Wangchuk's ongoing allegation that he is being held at Safdarjung Hospital against his will after being forcibly taken from the Jantar Mantar protest site. He has been on a hunger strike since late June, demanding action on examination irregularities and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

The protest has been organised by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), a political group that has called for accountability regarding alleged irregularities in competitive examinations and reforms in the examination system. Mr Wangchuk joined the CJP agitation on June 28 and was later moved to the hospital as his health deteriorated due to the prolonged fast.

Authorities have stated that Mr Wangchuk was taken to the hospital for medical care and that his detention is lawful. The government has denied allegations of illegal detention, maintaining that the activist received necessary medical attention. The march to Parliament has been planned amid heightened security in the national capital.

This development comes as part of a broader movement by students and activists seeking changes in the examination system, following reports of paper leaks in several state-level and national exams. The CJP and Mr Wangchuk have demanded a judicial inquiry and stricter laws to prevent such incidents.