India
oi-Swastika Sruti
In the latest development, Education reformer and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has released a video from Safdarjung Hospital, claiming he was prevented from leaving the hospital despite the Delhi High Court allowing his transfer to a private medical facility.
Education activist Sonam Wangchuk released a video from Safdarjung Hospital alleging detainment, questioned the end of his 26-day hunger strike over NEET-UG reforms, shortly before Parliament’s Monsoon Session discussion.
In an emotional statement, Wangchuk also responded to criticism surrounding the end of his 26-day hunger strike, saying there was no “deal” with the government and rejecting allegations questioning the sincerity of his protest.
The video, recorded during his stay at Safdarjung Hospital, has once again brought attention to the events that unfolded during the final days of his fast over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak and examination reforms.
‘Arrest Me If You Want,’ Wangchuk Tells Police
In the video shared on social media, Wangchuk is seen questioning police personnel who were present inside the hospital.
He asks them whether they had come to arrest him and says that if they intended to do so, they should formally arrest him instead of keeping him inside the hospital.
According to Wangchuk, he was made to wait for nearly three hours on the 25th day of his hunger strike while trying to leave for Medanta Hospital. He is heard saying that the prolonged delay amounted to harassment and warns that the authorities would be responsible if anything happened to his health.
Responds To Questions Over Ending Hunger Strike
With the hospital footage, Wangchuk posted a fresh video addressing criticism over his decision to end the hunger strike.
He said he recorded the message with anger and disappointment after people questioned the “purity” of his protest and speculated that he had reached a political compromise.
Wangchuk said he had remained without food for 26 days in Delhi’s extreme heat, during which he lost around 11 kilograms of body weight, significant muscle mass and suffered severe physical weakness.
He said he found it unfair that, after making such sacrifices, he was being asked to explain why he ended the fast, who was present when he broke it and whether any agreement had been made with the government.
Rejecting such allegations, he remarked that if his intention had been to strike a deal, he could have done so comfortably without undertaking a prolonged hunger strike in Delhi.
Wangchuk also questioned the restrictions imposed after he was shifted to Medanta Hospital. He claimed security personnel were already present at the private hospital when he arrived and alleged that several ministers who wanted to meet him were not allowed inside.
According to him, even representatives of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and leaders from Ladakh faced delays or were denied access.
Informing that Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike after the Centre assured that Parliament would discuss the alleged NEET-UG paper leak and broader examination reforms during the Monsoon Session. The government also assured that no legal action would be taken against peaceful protesters.
