‘India’s 2nd freedom movement’: Wangchuk’s message from hospital ahead of CJP’s July 20 march

Sonam Wangchuk, shifted to Safdarjung Hospital, and CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, who has taken over the indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar.

NEW DELHI: A day after activist Sonam Wangchuk was shifted to Delhi’s Safdarjung Hospital from the Jantar Mantar protest site, he appealed to supporters to make the proposed July 20 march to Parliament a success, while Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke alleged that authorities were preparing for “a crackdown”.In a message posted on X through his wife Gitanjali J Angmo, Wangchuk wrote, “20th JULY आज़ादी का दूसरा आन्दोलन भय मुक्त भारत, अन्याय मुक्त भारत Freedom from injustice (Like paper leaks) Freedom from Fear (my illegal detention) India’s 2nd FREEDOM MOVEMENT March to the Parliament Please make it a big success Sent through Gitanjali from my illegal detention at Safdarjung.”Separately, Dipke posted on X, “Modi’s forces preparing for crackdown,” along with a video purportedly showing Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel deployed at Jantar Mantar.Wangchuk was shifted to the hospital by Delhi Police on Saturday, the 21st day of his indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar. Police had said the move was made following expert medical advice and in compliance with directions of the Delhi high court due to his deteriorating health.The shift came amid protests by supporters, with police stating that some protesters attempted to obstruct the exercise, leading to a “slight commotion”, but maintained that officers exercised maximum restraint. Police also said no one was detained and no lathi charge was carried out.Following Wangchuk’s removal from the protest site, Dipke took over the indefinite hunger strike, while three AISA student activists continued their fast. Protest organisers also reiterated that the July 20 Parliament march would go ahead as planned.Earlier on Saturday, Wangchuk’s wife Gitanjali J Angmo said he continued his hunger strike despite being admitted to hospital and was consuming only salt water.She also questioned the decision to hospitalise him, saying the Delhi high court had directed that his health be monitored regularly and had not ordered hospitalisation.Wangchuk has been on an indefinite hunger strike since June 28 in support of the CJP-led protest over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination and the reported deaths of students linked to the controversy.The Delhi high court has directed that his health be monitored regularly and that appropriate medical intervention be provided if required.