NEW DELHI — Climate activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk’s fight remains uninterrupted even after being forcibly moved to Safdarjung Hospital. Speaking to reporters outside the medical facility, his wife, Gitanjali J. Angmo, confirmed that Wangchuk is resolutely continuing his indefinite hunger strike from his hospital bed, refusing all forms of medical intervention or nutritional supplements from the state doctors.
Wangchuk entered the 21st day of his fast—originally launched at Jantar Mantar to demand systemic educational reforms and a probe into NEET examination irregularities—before being picked up by the Delhi Police early Saturday morning.
High Court Order Did Not Mandate Hospitalization
Addressing the media, Angmo directly challenged the Delhi Police’s justification that the removal was executed under the orders of the Delhi High Court.
"Regarding the High Court order, the order never mandated hospitalization. It simply stated that an individual's health is paramount and must be monitored at regular intervals; it did not order hospitalization. So, this is not in accordance with the High Court order."
She clarified that no medical treatment is currently underway, as the family has forbidden the hospital from administering oral or intravenous fluids without explicit consent.
Fasting Continues: Only Salt Water Consumed
Angmo assured supporters that Wangchuk’s spirit remains unbroken and his protest is fully active.
Refusal of Supplements: Doctors attempted to give him electrolyte powders and intravenous (IV) fluids, both of which Wangchuk firmly declined.
Strict Fast Maintained: He is not consuming any sugar or glucose. His intake remains strictly limited to the water mixed with salt that he was consuming at the protest site.
Current Physical State: While acknowledging that he is visibly weak and experiencing standard muscle mass loss due to the prolonged fast, Angmo stated he is mentally alert, highly determined, and his latest ECG report returned normal.
Potassium Data 'Suspicious'; Family Demands External Test
The family raised major transparency concerns regarding the sudden health warnings issued by Safdarjung Hospital authorities. According to the administration, Wangchuk's serum potassium level plummeted to a critical 2.9.
Angmo fiercely disputed this data, labeling the sudden drop highly suspicious. She noted that his potassium levels were recorded at a stable 4.3 just the previous evening. Due to the hospital’s refusal to properly share detailed physical or digital medical reports with the family, Angmo announced they are sending his blood samples to an independent, external laboratory to cross-check the parameters before approving any clinical action.
Demands for Immediate Discharge
The protest leadership has now officially written to the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) demanding Wangchuk's immediate discharge from the state-run facility.
Stating that India is a democracy where a private individual holds the right to choose their medical care, Angmo emphasized that they intend to shift Wangchuk to a trusted medical center of their own choice where they feel comfortable and safe. She maintained that while the government's initial medical check was appreciated, further state interference is unnecessary, and the scheduled public march to Parliament will proceed regardless of his confinement.
