The 21-day-long protest, which saw Sonam Wangchuk on a hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, demanding the release of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who was held responsible for the NEET UG exam paper leak, and where several leaders, including Arvind Kejriwal, and several JNU student leaders, were seeking their political future, took a dramatic turn. Following the Delhi High Court’s direction, Delhi Police arrived at Jantar Mantar this morning and took environmentalist and social activist Sonam Wangchuk to Safdarjung Hospital for treatment. A tense situation has developed at the hospital following Sonam Wangchuk’s transfer from Jantar Mantar to the hospital.
On the 21st day of Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike, citing his deteriorating health and the Delhi High Court’s directives, the police took him to Safdarjung Hospital. A heavy deployment was made at Jantar Mantar around 7 a.m. Police briefly sealed off Jantar Mantar and appealed to protesters to vacate the area. Subsequently, Delhi Police and paramilitary forces, under the cover of white sheets, removed Sonam Wangchuk from the scene and admitted him to Sadarjung Hospital.
This action by the Delhi Police and paramilitary forces sparked widespread anger among protesters. Minor clashes and chaos ensued between protesters and police during the strike. Supporters allege that the police used force, dispersed them, and even detained some protesters.
Sonam Wangchuk has been admitted to the emergency ward of Safdarjung Hospital. To prevent any untoward incident, a heavy police presence and security personnel have been deployed on the hospital premises. According to hospital sources, his condition is stable and he is undergoing necessary medical checkups under the supervision of doctors.
After Sonam Wangchuk was admitted to Safdarjung Hospital from the protest site at Jantar Mantar by Delhi Police and paramilitary personnel, reactions have begun pouring in from Sonam Wangchuk’s wife, leaders of several political parties, and social activists.
Sonam Wangchuk’s wife and his supporters have expressed displeasure over this move. They say Sonam Wangchuk will not receive any medical treatment without their consent.
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders have strongly condemned the arrest and police action against Ladakh activist Sonam Wangchuk. They termed it a “murder of democracy” and an act of “dictatorship” by the central government. The party alleged that the government wants to suppress peaceful protests.
Aam Aadmi Party National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal, targeting the central government, said that authoritarianism is at its peak in the country. He warned that those steeped in arrogance and tyranny always meet a disastrous end.
Aam Aadmi Party Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh alleged that the government, instead of listening to Sonam Wangchuk’s legitimate demands, has tried to suppress his voice. He questioned why no government representative came to speak to him despite his 21-day hunger strike.
Saurabh Bhardwaj and other Aam Aadmi Party leaders also questioned the actions taken by the Delhi Police during Sonam Wangchuk’s transportation to the hospital. They alleged that the police used white sheets to cover cameras and used force against protesters.
Regarding Sonam Wangchuk’s arrest, Congress leader Pawan Khera said that the government’s actions demonstrate that peaceful protest is no longer a fundamental democratic right, but is being suppressed.
The Samajwadi Party (SP) has strongly criticized the central Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government for the arrest and forced removal of Sonam Wangchuk from his hunger strike site. Samajwadi Party National President Akhilesh Yadav alleged through social media and the press that the government was stifling democracy. He strongly condemned Wangchuk’s forced removal from the hunger strike site and demanded judicial oversight of his health.