Veteran political leader Sharad Pawar has strongly condemned the Delhi Police’s action against activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is currently on an indefinite hunger strike. Pawar stated that the protest would continue unabated, and the issue would be raised in the upcoming Parliament session.
Wangchuk was taken to Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi on Saturday morning following a significant deterioration in his health on the 21st day of his hunger strike at Jantar Mantar. The police cited medical advice and directions from the Delhi High Court for his hospitalisation. Wangchuk, along with three activists from the All India Students’ Association (AISA), began their hunger strike on June 28, supporting a protest led by the Cockroach Janta Party concerning alleged irregularities in the NEET examination and reported student deaths related to the controversy.
Criticism of Government Handling
Speaking to reporters in Baramati, Pawar expressed his displeasure with the Centre’s handling of the situation, labelling it as “irresponsible.” He accused the government of acting as a bystander instead of addressing the genuine demands of the students. “The people responsible did not handle the situation with due care, and as a result, the future of thousands of children has been affected. The Central government has merely remained a spectator throughout this entire issue,” Pawar stated.
Pawar highlighted that numerous opposition leaders and political parties, including representatives from Congress and the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), had visited Wangchuk at the protest site and collectively raised concerns. He pointed out that despite the government being in Delhi, no representative visited Wangchuk, underscoring the perceived lack of governmental engagement.
Protest to Continue, Parliament to Discuss Issue
The Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) chief asserted that the protest would persist despite the action taken against Wangchuk. He further announced that the issues raised by the activists would be a central point of discussion during the forthcoming Parliament session, scheduled to commence on July 20. This indicates a commitment from opposition parties to escalate the matter on a national legislative platform.
The Delhi High Court has been monitoring the developments and had previously directed that Wangchuk’s health be regularly assessed, with appropriate medical intervention provided if necessary. The police report indicated that Wangchuk was admitted for essential medical care due to weakness from prolonged fasting and dehydration.
Sonam Wangchuk’s Activism
Sonam Wangchuk, a renowned engineer, educator, and climate activist from Ladakh, has a history of undertaking hunger strikes to advocate for various causes. His activism spans demands for constitutional safeguards for Ladakh, environmental protection, and, most recently, alleged examination irregularities. In previous instances, Wangchuk has undertaken fasts for issues such as demanding special legal protection for Ladakh’s fragile ecosystem and reiterating demands for statehood.
Wangchuk’s efforts have gained national and international attention, with his work in education and environmental conservation previously earning him prestigious awards. His recent protest in Delhi highlights the ongoing concerns regarding the NEET examination and its impact on students across the country.
The Chenab Times News Desk