Delhi police removed climate activist Sonam Wangchuk from Jantar Mantar on Saturday morning and transferred him to Safdarjung Hospital [1].
Wangchuk's removal marks a critical turning point in his protest for constitutional safeguards and environmental protections in Ladakh. His deteriorating physical state has shifted the focus from his political demands to an immediate medical emergency.
The transfer occurred on July 18 [2] amid a heavy police deployment at the protest site [3]. A spokesperson for the Delhi Police said the activist was shifted to the hospital in compliance with Delhi High Court directions and on the advice of medical experts due to his deteriorating health [4].
Wangchuk had been conducting an indefinite hunger strike to demand governance reforms for Ladakh and to address examination irregularities [5]. The duration of the strike varied by report, with some sources stating it had lasted 20 days [6], while others noted it had stretched into its 21st day [3]. Some records indicate the broader protest had been ongoing for approximately 30 days [7].
Supporters at the site reported tension during the removal process. While authorities cited medical necessity and court orders for the action, the presence of significant police forces indicated a coordinated effort to clear the activist from the public square [3].
Wangchuk has gained international attention for his advocacy regarding the fragile ecosystem of the Himalayas and the political autonomy of the Ladakh region. His hunger strike was intended to pressure the government into granting specific constitutional protections to the region's land, and culture [5].
Medical experts had advised hospitalization as the prolonged fast began to take a severe toll on the activist's vital functions [4]. He remains under medical supervision at Safdarjung Hospital as his supporters continue to call for the government to meet his demands [1].
“Delhi Police said the activist Sonam Wangchuk was shifted to Safdarjung Hospital in compliance with Delhi High Court directions”
The forced hospitalization of Sonam Wangchuk removes a high-profile catalyst for the Ladakh autonomy movement from the public eye. By utilizing a court order and medical necessity, the state has effectively ended the immediate physical threat of the hunger strike without conceding to the activist's political demands. This move likely signals a shift in the government's strategy toward managing the protest through legal and medical channels rather than political negotiation.
