Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has described his hospitalisation as an "illegal detention" in his first message to supporters since being removed from the site of his prolonged hunger strike at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.
Calling on supporters to participate in the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) proposed march to Parliament on Monday, July 20, Wangchuk characterised the party's ongoing campaign as "India's Second Freedom Movement."
The message was released on Sunday, a day after Delhi Police shifted Wangchuk to Safdarjung Hospital on the 21st day of his hunger strike.
In the note, shared through his wife, Gitanjali Angmo, and posted on his official X account, Wangchuk appealed for an India free from fear and injustice.
Referring to issues such as examination paper leaks—the central issue behind his hunger strike and the CJP's wider campaign—he emphasised the need for "freedom from injustice."
Wangchuk also appeared to link what he described as his "illegal detention" with the broader demand for a society free from fear. While urging supporters to make the planned Parliament march a success, uncertainty remained over whether the demonstration would be allowed to proceed.
According to Delhi Police sources, the CJP had not sought permission for the march as of Saturday, July 18. The sources also indicated that, given the commencement of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, permission for the proposed rally was unlikely even if an application was submitted.
Health Condition
Safdarjung Hospital said on Sunday that Wangchuk was receiving the necessary medical care and that a multidisciplinary team of experts was closely monitoring his condition.
In its latest health bulletin, the hospital stated that his vital signs were stable, although certain blood parameters remained marginally abnormal. It added that the prolonged fast had placed significant physiological stress on his body, making continuous medical supervision necessary.
A day earlier, the hospital had stated that Wangchuk declined intravenous fluids, oral rehydration solution and prescribed medications despite repeated counselling by the treating doctors as well as an independent expert from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). It also noted that his family had not yet provided consent for the recommended medical intervention.
Delhi Police has maintained that Wangchuk was shifted to Safdarjung Hospital solely to ensure essential medical treatment, acting on expert medical advice and in compliance with directions issued by the Delhi High Court.
Before being taken to the hospital, Wangchuk had said on Friday night that he remained committed to continuing his fast despite his deteriorating health, claiming that he had already lost nearly 20 per cent of his body weight.
His removal from Jantar Mantar took place two days after the Centre informed the Delhi High Court that any necessary medical intervention would be provided on the advice of doctors monitoring his condition.
Saturday marked the 21st day of Wangchuk's hunger strike, which began on June 28 with the demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination.
The indefinite fast forms part of the Cockroach Janta Party's broader campaign seeking accountability, a judicial inquiry into alleged examination scams, and comprehensive reforms to India's examination system.
