Activist Sonam Wangchuk was taken to Safdarjung Hospital after 21 days of hunger strike, sparking further protests by the Cockroach Janta Party.
New Delhi, India Jul 18, 2026 ALN: Activist Sonam Wangchuk, a prominent advocate for educational reform and environmental sustainability in India, has been hospitalized amid ongoing protests at Jantar Mantar, a significant site for public demonstrations in the national capital. Wangchuk has been on a hunger strike since June 28, 2023, to draw attention to what he and his supporters describe as the mismanagement of competitive examinations by the Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. His health has deteriorated over the course of the strike, leading to his transfer to Safdarjung Hospital for “essential medical care” in compliance with a High Court order.
Wangchuk's hunger strike is not an isolated incident but part of a broader movement organized by the Cockroach Janta Party, which has been vocal in its demands for accountability from the government regarding the management of educational assessments. The protests have entered their 21st day, highlighting the growing discontent among students and activists regarding the current educational policies and practices in India.
The protests initiated by the Cockroach Janta Party stem from a series of grievances related to the conduct of competitive examinations, which many believe have been marred by irregularities and inefficiencies. This dissatisfaction has been compounded by reports of alleged favoritism and corruption within the examination system, prompting calls for Pradhan's resignation. Wangchuk, known for his innovative approaches to education and sustainable development, has leveraged his platform to advocate for systemic change in the educational landscape.
The significance of Jantar Mantar as a protest site cannot be understated. Historically, it has been a focal point for various movements, allowing citizens to voice their concerns directly to the government. The ongoing protests reflect a growing trend of civil unrest in India, particularly among youth and student groups, who are increasingly frustrated with perceived governmental inaction on critical issues affecting their futures.
As Wangchuk was taken to the hospital, the protest continued with other activists maintaining their hunger strikes. Notably, three members of the All India Students’ Association – Neha Bora, Manish Kumar, and Aameen Amitosh – have vowed to continue their fasts in solidarity with Wangchuk. This act of solidarity underscores the unity among student groups and activists in their demands for educational reform.
Protesters formed a human chain to prevent police from forcibly removing them, demonstrating their determination to maintain pressure on the government. Another activist, Hamad, has also joined the hunger strike, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation and the commitment of the protestors to their cause.
Meanwhile, Abhijeet Dipke, the founder of the Cockroach Janta Party, who had faced police obstruction in returning to the protest site, announced his intention to begin an indefinite hunger strike. He called for nationwide peaceful protests, framing the current situation as a struggle against what he described as a form of dictatorship. His remarks reflect a broader sentiment among protestors that the government's response to dissent has been increasingly repressive.
Dipke articulated a shift in their demands, stating that following Wangchuk's removal from the protest site, the movement would now also seek the resignation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, indicating a significant escalation in their campaign against the government.
The Delhi Police's response to the protests has been a point of contention. They maintained that Wangchuk was transferred to the hospital on expert medical advice due to his deteriorating health, which they described as a necessary intervention. However, the Cockroach Janta Party claimed that Wangchuk had been “detained,” raising concerns about the treatment of activists during the protests.
Spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka expressed concerns over the police’s actions, alleging that roads leading to Jantar Mantar had been blocked and that protestors, including Dipke, had faced violence from police forces. Such allegations highlight the tensions between law enforcement and protestors, as well as the challenges faced by activists in voicing their demands.
In response to these events, the Delhi Police appealed to protesters to vacate the area peacefully. The police also cited a directive from the Delhi High Court, which ordered the Centre and the Delhi government to monitor Wangchuk’s health daily and ensure any necessary medical interventions were undertaken. This court order reflects the judiciary's role in overseeing the treatment of protestors and ensuring their rights are upheld during demonstrations.
On the day of his hospitalization, Safdarjung Hospital reported that Wangchuk was experiencing weakness due to prolonged fasting and dehydration. Although his condition was described as stable, medical professionals indicated that he would require continuous observation and treatment to restore his health. His wife, Gitanjali Angmo, emphasized the importance of obtaining consent from family and medical professionals before any treatment is administered, underscoring the ethical considerations surrounding health care for individuals engaged in hunger strikes.
The presence of police personnel at both Safdarjung Hospital and Jantar Mantar has raised concerns about the potential for further clashes between law enforcement and protestors, as tensions remain high. The situation continues to evolve as activists and supporters rally around Wangchuk's cause, indicating a sustained commitment to advocating for educational reform and accountability from the government.
The use of hunger strikes as a form of protest has a long history, with many activists employing this method to draw attention to various causes. One notable figure in this realm is Irom Sharmila, who fasted for 16 years in protest against human rights violations in Manipur. Her experience raises questions about the effectiveness and moral implications of hunger strikes as a means of political expression. It remains to be seen how Wangchuk's hunger strike will be perceived in the broader context of activism in India and whether it will lead to substantive changes in policy or government accountability.
As the protest continues, the implications of Wangchuk's actions and the responses from both the government and the public will likely shape the discourse around educational reform in India. The outcome of this protest may influence future activism and the strategies employed by those seeking to challenge governmental authority and advocate for systemic change.
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