Sonam Wangchuk's Health Worsens as Protests and Police Action Intensify in Delhi
New Delhi, July 19: Activist Sonam Wangchuk, currently on a 21-day hunger strike, is showing signs of dehydration and urgently requires fluid and electrolyte therapy to prevent serious complications, according to Safdarjung Hospital authorities. Despite repeated counselling, Wangchuk and his family have declined the recommended treatment.
On Saturday, Delhi Police forcibly took Wangchuk to Safdarjung Hospital. The move came as the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), led by founder Abhijeet Dipke, continued overnight protests at Jantar Mantar. The party is demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, alleging failures in governance.
Dipke, who is on an indefinite hunger strike in solidarity with Wangchuk, described the activist's hospitalization as a 'kidnapping' and warned that police were planning a crackdown on the protest during the night or early morning hours. 'They are trying to silence the voice of youth,' Dipke said in a statement.
Sonam Wangchuk, a well-known environmental and educational activist from Ladakh, is best known for his work on the Ice Stupa project and reforms in the education system. His current hunger strike is part of a campaign for specific demands related to his activism, though the exact details were not immediately available.
The situation has drawn attention to the broader political tensions surrounding the protest. Safdarjung Hospital officials stressed the urgency of medical intervention, but Wangchuk's refusal to accept treatment has raised concerns among his supporters and medical staff alike.
As of Sunday morning, the protest at Jantar Mantar remained peaceful but tense, with a heavy police presence. Authorities have not confirmed any plans for a crackdown, but all parties are bracing for possible escalation.
