Sonam Wangchuk Extends Hunger Strike, Seeks Parliament’s Attention on Police Action Against Student Protesters

New Delhi, July 2026 : Climate activist and innovator Sonam Wangchuk has decided to continue his hunger strike, now in its 24th day, until Parliament takes cognisance of the police action against students who participated in the recent ‘Sansad Chalo’ protest in the national capital, his wife Gitanjali J. Angmo said on Tuesday.

Her remarks came shortly after the Delhi High Court allowed Wangchuk to be shifted from Safdarjung Hospital to Medanta Hospital, where he will continue receiving medical supervision while remaining on his indefinite fast.

Addressing reporters outside the court, Angmo said Wangchuk had extended his protest in solidarity with the students who, according to her, faced excessive police action during Monday’s demonstrations.

“Sonam has decided to continue his hunger strike because of the way the students were treated. They were lathi-charged, beaten and tear gas was used against them. He wants to continue his fast until Parliament takes note of their demands and ensures that their voices are heard,” she said.

Describing the student protest as peaceful, Angmo praised the determination shown by young demonstrators and said they had displayed remarkable resilience despite the circumstances.

She also responded to allegations that some protesters had assaulted police personnel during the march. Recounting her own experience, Angmo claimed she was present on a truck when police personnel attempted to detain activist Abhijit. She alleged that fellow protesters formed a human chain around her for protection and suggested that any acts of resistance by demonstrators should be viewed in the context of the situation they faced.

“If something had happened to me while I was alone, I too would have tried to defend myself,” she said.

Angmo further alleged that several Members of Parliament who had visited Safdarjung Hospital were not allowed to meet Wangchuk. She claimed that doctors who had been treating him over the past several weeks informed the Delhi High Court that restricting access to a patient’s own medical team was highly unusual in a government hospital.

She said these concerns had prompted the family to seek his transfer to another medical facility, alleging that Wangchuk had effectively been kept under detention during his stay at Safdarjung Hospital.

Expressing gratitude to the Delhi High Court for permitting the transfer, Angmo said every citizen has the democratic right to choose their doctor, hospital and preferred course of treatment.

She also questioned the circumstances surrounding Wangchuk’s admission to Safdarjung Hospital, alleging that he had been brought there by police personnel in civilian clothes rather than by medical staff. According to her, the activist’s hospitalisation had not been medically necessary, as his health was already being monitored at Jantar Mantar before he was shifted.

Angmo further claimed that Wangchuk had been kept in the intensive care unit to limit his communication with supporters and the outside world, an allegation that authorities have not publicly responded to.

Despite nearly 25 days without food, she said Wangchuk’s condition remained stable, adding that minor fluctuations in his vital signs were expected after such a prolonged hunger strike.

The activist’s continuing fast and the political debate surrounding the police action against student protesters are expected to keep public attention focused on the issue as Parliament’s session continues.

Team Maverick.