Indian activist on hunger strike for 20 days forcibly taken to hospital
Indian activist Sonam Wangchuk was forcibly removed by police from his protest site in Delhi after a 20-day hunger strike. He was taken to a hospital for dehydration and weakness, while his supporters continue to demand educational reforms and the resignation of the Prime Minister.
Why it matters
The incident highlights ongoing tensions between civil society activists and the Indian government regarding protest rights and political dissent.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Wangchuk was sitting on a hunger strike in the scorching summer, consuming nothing but salt and water
Indian activist and educationist Sonam Wangchuk, on hunger strike for the past 20 days in Delhi, has been forcibly removed from his protest site.
The 59-year-old had been protesting in support of an online satirical movement called the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) who are seeking educational reforms. The protesters had planned a march to India's parliament on Monday.
Wangchuk was sitting on hunger strike in the scorching summer, consuming nothing but salt and water. He had lost more than 9kg and was in a lot of pain.
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke has now begun an indefinite fast in his place. He says the march to parliament will go on and has called for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to resign.
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