New Delhi, July 19: Social activist Sonam Wangchuk was admitted to Safdarjung Hospital, prompting a wave of criticism from opposition leaders directed at the central government. They voiced their support for Wangchuk, highlighting the government’s heavy-handed approach.
Jammu and Kashmir’s Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Chaudhary, stated that Wangchuk is not an ordinary citizen but a prominent social activist who has raised issues not only in Jammu and Kashmir but across the nation. He emphasized that Wangchuk’s family is not politically affiliated. “If he were a politician, we could say, ‘Sir, this happened, that happened.’ But he has no ties to politics. The truth is our youth are on the streets. They have named their movement ‘Cockroach’ and initiated a campaign under this banner. Wangchuk went there to support them. This country belongs to Mahatma Gandhi, and according to our Constitution, we can express our views,” he said.
Senior Aam Aadmi Party leader Gopal Rai remarked that Wangchuk had been on a hunger strike for 20 days. He was forcibly removed, indicating that the government prefers to suppress democratic voices rather than engage in dialogue.
JMM leader Mahua Maji pointed out that the manner in which the well-known activist was taken from Jantar Mantar to the hospital shows that the central government fears the strength of his movement. She noted that the government is apprehensive about the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament, which begins on July 20, fearing that MPs and citizens from across the country would meet with Wangchuk. There were plans for a march to Parliament, which likely concerned the government. “I don’t think this is right for democracy. Everyone has the right to protest, and the demands of the students, which Wangchuk supports, are legitimate,” she added.
Ruchi Veera, a member of the Samajwadi Party, condemned the government’s actions, stating that Wangchuk was peacefully fasting to address the issues faced by the youth of the nation. The way he was removed was a direct affront to democracy. “No government representative spoke to Wangchuk when dialogue was necessary. I strongly condemn this incident. What more can we expect from an insensitive government? An undeclared emergency is underway,” she asserted.
Akhil Gogoi, leader of the Raijor Dal, criticized the treatment of Wangchuk, questioning what was wrong with his demand for transparency in examinations.
MP Mohammad Hanifa Jan expressed concern for Wangchuk’s health, noting that many people were urging him to end his hunger strike. “We also suggested that he should withdraw from the fast,” he said.
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