New Delhi: A fresh development has emerged in the ongoing protest after climate activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk was admitted to a hospital following a decline in his health on the 21st day of his indefinite hunger strike. In response, Chalo Jantar Party (CJP) founder Abhijit Dipke announced that he would begin an indefinite hunger strike from Saturday.
The organisation also made it clear that its proposed ‘Chalo Sansad’ march on July 20 will go ahead as planned. Meanwhile, conflicting versions have surfaced from the Delhi Police and the protesters over the circumstances surrounding Wangchuk’s hospitalisation.
Why did Abhijeet Dipke announce the start of the fast?
CJP informed on the social media platform. The organisation says that the movement will continue as before and a peaceful march will be taken out to Parliament on July 20. The protesters are demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and fixing of accountability for alleged examination irregularities.
Why did the controversy arise when Wangchuk was taken to the hospital?
Different claims have been made regarding Wangchuk being taken from Jantar Mantar to Safdarjung Hospital. CJP alleges that the protesters were lathicharged and Wangchuk was forcibly removed from there. Delhi Police denied these allegations and said that following the instructions of the Delhi High Court and the advice of doctors, in view of his deteriorating health condition, he was taken to the hospital for necessary medical facilities. Police say that during this period there was some minor commotion, but the entire action was completed with restraint.
What allegations did Abhijeet Dipke make against the police?
Abhijit Dipke claimed that he was beaten and detained by the police. However, Delhi Police rejected this allegation. Dipke and his supporters have been protesting for the last several days over alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG exam and the paper leak issue. There is a dispute regarding the entire incident between the claims of the police and the protesters.
What did the doctors say about Sonam Wangchuk’s health?
In the medical update issued by Safdarjung Hospital, it was said that Sonam Wangchuk has become very weak due to prolonged fasting and dehydration. At present, his condition is stable, but he needs constant monitoring and treatment so that the vital parameters of the body can be normalised. The hospital administration said that specialist doctors are constantly monitoring his health condition.
What appeal did the wife make regarding treatment?
Sonam Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali J. Angmo, appealed on social media that Wangchuk should not be given any oral or intravenous medicine without the permission of the family and the medical team that has been monitoring him for the last 20 days. He said that he himself is present in the hospital and every decision related to treatment should be taken only with the consent of the family. On the other hand, Delhi Police has appealed to the protesters present at Jantar Mantar to vacate the site peacefully. CJP has reiterated that the ‘Chalo Sansad’ march of July 20 will be organised peacefully.
