Activist Sonam Wangchuk led a large crowd from Jantar Mantar toward the Indian Parliament on Monday following a denial of protest permissions [1].
The demonstration marks a critical escalation in Wangchuk's campaign to secure specific governmental commitments. The movement seeks to pressure authorities to meet three conditions [1] that Wangchuk has set as a requirement to end his hunger strike.
Supporters, including Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali Angmo, formed a human chain and chanted slogans as they moved toward the Sansad [1, 2]. The march occurred after the Delhi High Court denied Wangchuk's discharge from Safdarjung Hospital and police officials refused to grant permission for the gathering [2, 3].
Delhi Police responded to the unauthorized movement by deploying barricades to block the path to the Parliament [2]. As protesters attempted to crash through these barriers, police used lathi charges to beat back the crowd and disperse the assembly [2, 3].
Despite the police response, the crowd continued to engage in high-intensity sloganing and protests in the vicinity of the legislative building [1]. The clash between the activists and law enforcement highlights the ongoing tension surrounding the conditions for the activist's release and the resolution of his hunger strike [2].
“Delhi Police used lathi charges to disperse crowds”
The confrontation in Delhi underscores the volatility of the current standoff between Sonam Wangchuk and the Indian government. By attempting to reach the Parliament despite police restrictions and court rulings, the activists are shifting their strategy from passive resistance, such as the hunger strike, to direct public action to force a political resolution.
