India: Sonam Wangchuk hospitalized after 20 days of hunger strike

Activist forcibly taken away after three weeks of fasting

The weakened figure of Sonam Wangchuk now embodies the anger of an Indian youth mobilized for nearly a month.

The engineer and environmental activist, a prominent figure in education struggles, was taken against his will to a public hospital in Delhi on July 18, after 20 days of hunger strike. A multidisciplinary medical team is monitoring him, with his consent, but he still refuses any food, limiting himself to saltwater.

The transfer, carried out by police, was justified by the need to monitor his health after he had lost more than ten kilograms. His supporters denounce an "illegal detention," while authorities claim they are acting for his safety.

Exam leaks at the heart of the mobilization

Wangchuk began his fast on June 28 to demand accountability following repeated exam paper leaks, particularly those of medical school entrance exams. These scandals have fueled the frustration of a generation facing a hyper-competitive education system and high unemployment.

In a message posted on X, he vowed that "those who attempt to harm the future of the youth will not be spared." A measure deemed insufficient by protesters, who are calling for structural reforms and the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

The situation escalated into clashes with law enforcement, who used batons and tear gas to disperse demonstrators. Several injuries were reported, and dozens of people were arrested.

The CJM refused an invitation to meet with Health Minister and BJP President JP Nadda, conveyed by police. The collective insists that any discussion must take place at Jantar Mantar, a symbolic protest site in Delhi. "We will not go to his home or his office. Discussions must happen where the people gather," stated Saurav Das, spokesperson for the movement.

Despite Wangchuk’s hospitalization, the mobilization continues. Thousands of people continue to gather daily at Jantar Mantar, holding up portraits of the activist. The CJM has urged him to end his strike, emphasizing that "his life is precious to the country."

A tradition of non-violent resistance

The forced hospitalization of Wangchuk has reignited tensions between the government and protest movements. His case is part of a long tradition of hunger strikes in India, often used as a political lever against authority.

For now, neither the government nor the protesters appear ready to back down. The activist has announced he will continue his fast until his demands are met, raising the risk of a prolonged crisis.

Key Points

• Sonam Wangchuk, on hunger strike since June 28, was forcibly taken to hospital on July 18 after losing more than ten kilograms.
• He demands reforms to the Indian education system and the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
• The Cockroach Janta Movement, a student collective, has been organizing rallies since June to denounce exam leaks and police repression.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the creation of fast-track courts to penalize exam leaks, without calming protesters.
• A march toward Parliament on July 22 was violently dispersed by police, resulting in several injuries.
• The movement refuses to negotiate outside Jantar Mantar, a symbolic protest site in Delhi.

Sources

1. BBC World - "'I am still alive': Indian activist on hunger strike for 26 days loses 11kg". (secondary)
2. Foreign Policy - "Why a Hunger Strike Is Rallying India’s Youth". (secondary)
3. Economic Times India - "Sonam Wangchuk to continue fast]]>". (secondary)
4. Economic Times India - "Sonam Wangchuk stable in ICU]]>". (secondary)
5. Economic Times India - "Wangchuk continues hunger strike: wife Gitanjali]]>". (secondary)

Transparency: 5 sources (0 primary, 5 secondary). Verification: July 23, 2026.

Truthyx - July 23, 2026