Sonam Wangchuk detained by police, protest future uncertain

After Sonam Wangchuk was forcibly taken to Safdarjung Hospital, questions arise about the protest's future.

Environmental and education activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on a hunger strike at Jantar Mantar for the past 21 days demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, was forcibly taken to Safdarjung Hospital by Delhi Police on Saturday morning. This development has brought a new twist to the movement. The biggest question now is who will lead the movement after Wangchuk's hospitalization and whether the campaign will maintain its previous momentum.

Meanwhile, Abhijeet Deepke, founder of the CJJP (Cockroach Janta Party) leading the movement, has made it clear that,

"The movement will not stop at any cost." He has announced that he will now sit on a hunger strike himself. He also stated that the proposed Parliament march on July 20 will proceed as scheduled and that the police action will not change the direction of the movement.

On Saturday morning, a large number of Delhi Police personnel arrived at Jantar Mantar. Protesters allege that many policemen were in plain clothes and approached Sonam Wangchuk under the pretext of a health check-up. Shortly thereafter, the police escorted him to an ambulance under the cover of white sheets and took him directly to Safdarjung Hospital. During this time, protesters attempted to stop the police, leading to minor scuffles at the scene. Videos from the site show police forming a human chain to keep protesters at bay.

Abhijeet Deepke alleged that Sonam Wangchuk was forcibly taken to the hospital against his will. He stated that such action against a social activist who has been on a hunger strike for more than three weeks goes against the spirit of democratic protest. He also accused the police of using force to remove protesters and attempting to weaken the movement.

However, Delhi Police have denied these allegations. The DCP of New Delhi stated that the action was taken based on the Delhi High Court's directive and the advice of expert doctors. Wangchuk's health was continuously deteriorating due to the prolonged hunger strike, necessitating his admission to Safdarjung Hospital for necessary medical supervision and treatment.

Meanwhile, Sonam Wangchuk's wife, Geetanjali J. Angmo, also reached Safdarjung Hospital. She clearly stated that no medication or other treatment should be administered without her consent and the advice of the doctors monitoring Wangchuk's health. She warned that if any medical intervention is carried out without her permission, the responsibility will lie with the concerned authorities.

All eyes are now on the proposed Parliament march on July 20 and Abhijeet Deepke's next strategy. This will determine whether the movement gains new momentum after Sonam Wangchuk's hospitalization or if it falters.