Delhi Police removed climate activist Sonam Wangchuk from the Jantar Mantar protest site and transported him to a hospital early this month [1].

The removal marks a critical escalation in Wangchuk's campaign for constitutional safeguards and environmental protection in Ladakh. His protest targeted Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET paper leak and the governance of the Ladakh region [2].

Wangchuk had been on a hunger strike for approximately 20 days before his removal [3]. He was hospitalized on the 21st day of the strike as his health deteriorated [4]. The overall protest effort had lasted nearly a month [5].

Authorities said the hospitalization was necessary due to worsening health, following medical advice and a High Court order [6]. However, supporters and opposition members said that police used force against protesters during the operation and argued that the removal was not solely for health reasons [7].

Following the hospitalization, Delhi Police cleared the Jantar Mantar area and deployed heavy security forces [1]. Security remained tightened around the site as the protest intensified [8].

“Wangchuk was hospitalized on the 21st day of his hunger strike”

The forced removal of Wangchuk highlights the tension between the Indian government's security protocols and the growing demands for autonomy and environmental protections in Ladakh. By linking local governance issues with national education scandals like the NEET leak, Wangchuk expanded a regional struggle into a broader critique of federal administration, prompting a high-security response in the capital.