Sonam Wangchuk To Continue Hunger Strike Until Parliament Takes Cognisance, Says Wife

Climate activist and innovator Sonam Wangchuk will continue his hunger strike until Parliament takes cognisance of the Delhi Police action against protesters during the ‘Sansad Chalo’ march, his wife Gitanjali J Angmo said on Tuesday.

After the Delhi HC allowed Wangchuk to shift from Safdarjung Hospital to Medanta Hospital, Angmo told reporters that Wangchuk had decided to extend his 24-day hunger strike in solidarity with students whom police allegedly subjected to lathi-charge and tear gas during Monday’s protest.

Angmo said the students had shown peaceful resilience and that Wangchuk would continue his fast until Parliament acknowledged their demands and heard them.

Angmo Rejects Police Allegations

Responding to allegations that some protesters attacked police personnel, Gitanjali J Angmo recounted her own experience during the protest, saying she was inside a truck when police attempted to take activist Abhijit away. She claimed those around her formed a human chain to protect her and said anyone in such a situation would have tried to defend themselves.

Angmo alleged that Members of Parliament who had come to Safdarjung Hospital could not meet Wangchuk. She said the doctors treating him had informed the Delhi High Court that it was unusual for a patient’s own doctors to be denied access at a government hospital, which was one of the reasons for seeking his transfer.

Thanking the Delhi High Court for allowing the transfer, Gitanjali J Angmo said every democratic citizen in India has the right to choose their doctor, hospital and treatment. She further alleged that Wangchuk had been brought to Safdarjung Hospital by police personnel in civil clothes rather than medical staff and claimed his admission to the ICU was intended to restrict his communication with the outside world.

According to Gitanjali J Angmo, Wangchuk remains stable, with minor changes in his vital parameters being natural after nearly 25 days of fasting.

Also Read: Congress Protests Near PM Modi’s Residence Over NEET-UG Paper Leak Row