After Sonam Wangchuk's Hospitalisation, Abhijeet Dipke Takes Over Protest at Jantar Mantar
For the first time in nearly three weeks, the protest stage at Jantar Mantar in Delhi was without Ladakhi activist Sonam Wangchuk. On Saturday morning, Delhi Police took him to Safdarjung Hospital, citing his health condition. Wangchuk had been on a 20-day hunger strike, demanding the inclusion of Ladakh in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution and protection of its land and environment.
Following Wangchuk's removal, Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), assumed leadership of the protest. Dipke alleged that he was briefly detained by police and later released. He announced an indefinite hunger strike and criticised the central government's handling of the situation. “They took him like you take away criminals. They thought the movement would lose steam without Sonam sir. Now, instead of him, I will sit on an indefinite hunger strike,” Dipke said.
Dipke further alleged that the police action was based on a Delhi High Court order regarding Wangchuk's health, but he claimed Wangchuk was stable and medical reports showed normal vitals. “It was not just shameless how they took Sonam ji away. The Delhi Police cited a Delhi High Court order about his health. But the court said to admit him if his condition was dire. Sonam sir was clear that he was stable. The medical reports show that his vitals are fine,” he added.
Around 9 am, social activist Yogendra Yadav arrived at the protest site and expressed solidarity. Dipke, visibly emotional, held up a copy of the Constitution and said, “If you’re concerned about Sonam sir, you would have taken him away with dignity. If you don’t join the Jantar Mantar protest even now, then nothing (good) can happen to this country.”
Later, Dipke criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, linking the NEET exam irregularities to the protest. “Instead of sacking Dharmendra Pradhan, they forcibly dragged Sonam Wangchuk. They attacked students… Now it is very clear that Narendra Modi does not want to sack Pradhan. So he is also responsible for the death of more than 20 NEET students… he is a dictatorial person,” he claimed.
Regarding a planned march to Parliament on Monday, Dipke asserted that the protest would continue despite lack of police permission. “The Delhi Police didn’t have permission to take Sonam Wangchuk away… Sonam sir didn’t give his consent… the 20th July march is on,” he said.
In the afternoon, tensions rose when a woman hurled what appeared to be ink at Dipke while he was addressing the crowd. Police sources confirmed she was removed from the stage. Speeches continued into the evening.
Addressing the crowd around 4:30 pm, Dipke said: “Modi’s goons dragged him away this morning… Delhi Police plan to crack down tonight… If you move away from here today, understand that the protest will end. We will fight this struggle together.”
On the stage, Wangchuk's photograph now occupies the spot where he had lain. Protesters noted that after police removed the white sheets shielding the operation, the only item left on his mattress was a book.
