In a controversial early morning operation, Delhi Police shifted prominent activist Sonam Wangchuk from the Jantar Mantar protest site to Safdarjung Hospital, ending his nearly 20-day hunger strike that had become a symbol of the ongoing agitation for education reforms. The move, carried out amid claims of forceful removal, has intensified criticism of the government’s handling of student demands.
Wangchuk had joined the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP)-led protests demanding accountability for alleged irregularities in exams like NEET, the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, and systemic changes in India’s education sector. Despite the prolonged hunger strike, the government is accused of failing to initiate dialogue or address the core concerns raised by students and youth.
For nearly 20 days, as Sonam Wangchuk fasted at Jantar Mantar, critics point out that the government neither arranged formal talks nor accepted the students’ demands. Students, widely regarded as the future of the country, have been at the forefront of calls for transparency and reform.
Protesters allege that the forceful removal was motivated by fears that Wangchuk’s potential death on the spot—without any demands being met would spark wider unrest and give fresh pace to the movement.
“For around 20 days Sonam Wangchuk was on hunger strike, but the government didn’t even arrange talks or accept the demands of students who are the future of the country. The forces took him away forcefully because if Sonam died on the spot without completing the demands, this protest would have led to a massive spark. It clearly shows the government didn’t accept their responsibilities but only wanted to silence the protest.”
— A protester summarizing the widespread sentiment at the site.
Eyewitness and Activist Statements
Activists and those present described the operation as abrupt and heavy-handed.
“At 7 AM, when I stepped out to freshen up, police goons arrived here. They dragged Sonam Sir away while hurling abuse at him. A 60-year-old man, who had been on a hunger strike for 20 days and hadn’t eaten a thing was forcibly dragged away by the Delhi Police.”
— Abhijeet Dipke, CJP founding president.
“They came early in the morning in civil dress… We requested them to wait until his vital checks were completed but they entered and took him away. Nobody was informed beforehand. Everything happened in a rush. There was a lot of pushing. Many protesters got injured while trying to stop the police.”
— Eyewitness protesters at Jantar Mantar.
Official Response
Delhi Police maintained that the action was in line with Delhi High Court directions and medical advice to protect Wangchuk’s health. DCP Sachin Sharma stated there was no lathi charge and emphasized restraint despite minor obstruction by protesters. Wangchuk is reported to be conscious with stable vitals at Safdarjung Hospital.
The incident has fueled accusations that authorities prioritized silencing the protest over engaging with legitimate student grievances. Organizers have vowed to continue the movement, including a planned march to Parliament on July 20, keeping the focus on education reforms and accountability.
This episode highlights the deep frustration among students and activists over perceived government apathy toward issues that shape the nation’s future. The story continues to unfold as calls for dialogue grow louder.
