‘India’s 2nd freedom movement’: hospitalised Wangchuk on 20th protest

New Delhi: Prominent environmentalist and scientist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been leading an agitation for the protection of Ladakh, has appealed to people across the country to participate in large numbers in the march to Parliament scheduled for Monday, July 20. In a handwritten message released by his wife from his room at Safdarjung Hospital, Wangchuk described the movement as India's "second freedom struggle," portraying it as a fight to free the country from fear and injustice.

Wangchuk was shifted to Safdarjung Hospital on Saturday after the Delhi High Court directed authorities to monitor his health following 22 days of an indefinite hunger strike. However, Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janata Party, alleged that Wangchuk was forcibly taken to the hospital by police and is being unlawfully confined there. Dipke has also begun an indefinite hunger strike in solidarity with Wangchuk, while protesters are demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over issues including the NEET examination controversy.

According to the latest medical bulletin issued by the hospital, Wangchuk remains conscious, and his heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen levels are stable. Doctors, however, have warned that prolonged fasting has severely affected his health, with signs of dehydration requiring immediate medical intervention. Independent specialists from AIIMS have also recommended administering intravenous fluids and essential salts.

Despite repeated appeals from doctors, Wangchuk has refused IV fluids, oral rehydration solution and other medicines. Reports also indicate that his family has not signed consent forms for the treatment. Meanwhile, his wife, Geetanjali J. Angmo, has sought his transfer to another hospital, citing a lack of transparency, and requested that no medicines or fluids be administered without the family's consent.