Wangchuk Hospitalized After Removal, March Continues

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was forcibly removed from his protest site at Delhi's Jantar Mantar on Saturday, July 18, and admitted to Safdarjung Hospital, as a planned march to Parliament by his supporters proceeded on Monday, July 20. The removal occurred on the 21st day of Wangchuk's indefinite hunger strike, which began on June 28, and sparked condemnation from opposition parties and a wave of public support from prominent figures in the film industry.

The Delhi Police stated the action was taken in compliance with court directions and on the advice of doctors. Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali J. Angmo, disputed this, alleging he was forcibly removed and subsequently filed a petition in the Delhi High Court seeking to shift him to a private hospital, citing a loss of trust in the authorities. Hospital officials reported that Wangchuk remains conscious and clinically stable but is showing signs of dehydration and continues to refuse all fluids and medical treatment despite repeated counseling.

Wangchuk's protest, undertaken in solidarity with the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), has centered on demands for educational reforms and greater transparency following the NEET examination...