India illegally detaining hunger strike activist Sonam Wangchuk, says wife

The wife of an Indian hunger strike activist, Sonam Wangchuk, taken to hospital against his will accused the government of "illegal detention" disguised as medical care, as police warned against protesting ahead of Monday's parliamentary session.

New Delhi police forcibly moved activist Sonam Wangchuk to a hospital on Saturday over health concerns after a 20-day hunger strike in protest against India's examination system.

Police cited a court order and "deteriorating health condition" when they picked up Wangchuk, who has demanded the education minister's resignation after the leak of test materials that resulted in over 2 million students being forced to retake exams.

Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke (2R) reacts as doctors check activist Sonam Wangchuk's vital signs during his hunger strike in New Delhi. AFP

Gitanjali J Angmo, Wangchuk's wife, said in a statement on Sunday that she "lost faith" in the government-run hospital which she said refused to move her husband to a private facility.

"With around 30 police personnel stationed on our floor and well over 100 across the hospital, our movement is severely restricted," Angmo said. "It is not medical care. It is illegal detention," she said, adding she asked the High Court to allow her to move Wangchuk.

A Delhi court refused Angmo's petition to transfer Wangchuk to a different hospital.

Angmo said that Sonam "will end his hunger strike tomorrow (Monday) if political leaders meet him at hospital and assure him that they will raise the issue of education accountability during Parliament session."

Authorities surround Sonam Wangchuk as they carry him on a stretcher while being taken to the hospital during a sit-in protest called by Cockroach Janta Party. AFP

Wangchuk had not yet consented to recommended medical interventions, according to the government-run hospital, following his arrival on Saturday.

"Despite repeated counselling by the treating team and the independent expert regarding the urgent need for treatment, the patient has declined intravenous fluids, oral rehydration solution and all medications," the hospital said.

India's parliament session starts on Monday, and opposition parties have backed Wangchuk and ongoing protests in New Delhi, where a few hundred students had joined him around his stage in recent weeks.

Protesters warned

Several political and farmers groups are expected to reach the New Delhi protest site, Jantar Mantar, to demonstrate during the parliament session, including satirical online movement "Cockroach Janta Party" (CJP) — who suggested followers march to parliament.

Delhi police said on Sunday "no permission had been sought or granted" for CJP's proposed march.

"As Parliament session is commencing from July 20, strict security arrangements are in place to ensure public safety... and the protection of vital government installations," police said in a statement. "Any person violating these prohibitory orders shall be liable for prosecution."

Indian actor Shabana Azmi kisses the hand of the fasting Indian student activist Neha Bora at the protest site after Sonam Wangchuk was taken to a hospital by authorities during a sit-in protest. Reuters

CJP founder, Abhijeet Dipke, started his own indefinite hunger strike after Wangchuk was moved to hospital.

A few hundred people gathered around the stage vacated by Wangchuk at the weekend. Many were carrying posters and photos of the hospitalised activist while others were demanding the education minister's arrest.
Some 2.2 million aspiring medical students sat for a re-examination under tight security last month after the previous test was scrapped following a leak that triggered widespread outrage and fuelled youth protests.
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