ClimateAction – Union Ministers Meet Sonam Wangchuk During Hospital Stay in Gurugram
ClimateAction – Union Ministers J.P. Nadda and Jitendra Singh visited climate activist and innovator Sonam Wangchuk at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram on Tuesday night after he was shifted from Delhi’s Safdarjung Hospital for advanced medical care. The meeting took place as Wangchuk continued his indefinite hunger strike, which completed 24 days on Tuesday.
Wangchuk Shifted to Medanta for Medical Treatment
Earlier in the day, Wangchuk was discharged from Safdarjung Hospital and transported to Medanta in an ambulance under extensive security arrangements. The transfer followed directions issued by the Delhi High Court. Hospital authorities confirmed that he was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), where he is being treated under the supervision of internal medicine specialist Dr. Sushila Kataria.
The visit by the two Union ministers came while Wangchuk remained under close medical observation, with his fast continuing despite concerns over his health.
Hunger Strike Continues Over Parliamentary Engagement
The latest meeting followed Wangchuk’s announcement that he would not end his fast unless protesting student representatives were permitted to meet Members of Parliament inside Parliament House or lawmakers agreed to visit him at the hospital.
In a handwritten note released on Monday from Safdarjung Hospital, Wangchuk reiterated that his protest would continue until there was direct engagement between Parliament and the students participating in the ongoing demonstrations. He also said he would accept a meeting with parliamentarians at the hospital if permission to visit Parliament was not granted.
Family Links Fast to Protesters’ Demands
Speaking earlier on Tuesday, Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali J. Angmo, said the activist had decided to extend his hunger strike until Parliament acknowledged the allegations surrounding police action during the recent ‘Sansad Chalo’ march.
According to Angmo, the decision was taken in support of the protesting students, who she claimed faced force during the demonstration. She alleged that participants were subjected to lathi-charge and tear gas, adding that Wangchuk wanted their concerns to receive attention at the parliamentary level before ending his fast.
Response to Allegations of Violence
Responding to claims that some protesters had attacked police personnel, Angmo described her own experience during the march. She said she was inside a truck when police personnel attempted to enter and remove another protester identified as Abhijit.
According to her account, those present formed a human chain around her to prevent any confrontation. Angmo said that witnessing those events firsthand helped her understand the situation faced by the students during the protest. She added that anyone placed in a similar situation might instinctively try to protect themselves if they believed they were at risk.
Developments Continue Under Close Watch
The developments surrounding Wangchuk’s health, his ongoing hunger strike and the demands raised by the protesters continue to draw public and political attention. His transfer to a specialised medical facility and the subsequent visit by senior Union ministers mark a significant development as discussions continue over the issues raised by the activist and the student groups supporting the campaign.