Indian activist Sonam Wangchuk was admitted to a government hospital after his health deteriorated during a 21-day hunger strike demanding education reforms and accountability over alleged examination paper leaks.
NEW DELHI: Indian social activist and education reform advocate Sonam Wangchuk was admitted to a government hospital in New Delhi on Saturday after his health reportedly deteriorated during a 21-day hunger strike linked to demands for education reforms.
The 59-year-old activist began his indefinite fast on June 28 in support of the youth-led Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which is seeking the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged examination paper leaks that affected millions of students earlier this year.
Police said Wangchuk was transferred to the hospital following medical advice and in line with directions from the Delhi High Court, which had instructed authorities to closely monitor his condition and intervene if his health worsened.
Security personnel surrounded the protest site before moving Wangchuk to the government medical facility. Officials said he remained under medical supervision, while local media reported that he was conscious and his vital signs were stable after admission.
Authorities also cleared parts of the protest site, asking demonstrators to disperse. Several supporters were removed as police carried out the operation.
Protest organisers criticised the move, alleging that Wangchuk was forcibly taken from the demonstration despite maintaining a peaceful protest. They also claimed they were not immediately informed of his whereabouts after his removal.
Following the development, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke announced his own indefinite hunger strike and confirmed that supporters plan to march toward India’s Parliament on July 20, the opening day of the monsoon session, to press for education reforms and the resignation of the federal education minister.
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