Delhi Police on Saturday appealed to protesters gathered at New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar to “peacefully vacate the place at the earliest”, saying climate activist Sonam Wangchuk had been shifted to hospital on medical advice after his health deteriorated, days before Parliament’s monsoon session is set to begin.
The appeal came amid heightened security concerns ahead of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, which convenes on July 20, with protesters having announced plans to march towards Parliament to press for their demands.
In a statement, Delhi Police said Wangchuk was shifted to hospital “as per orders of the Hon’ble High Court and on expert medical advice” due to his deteriorating health condition.
“While complying with the orders of the Hon’ble High Court, the protesters tried to create obstruction, in which slight commotion ensued. However, police exercised maximum restraint and undertook the exercise safely,” the statement said.
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke contested police’s claim saying that “court had ordered monitoring of his health and not vacation from the protest site”.
Authorities urged the remaining protesters at Jantar Mantar to disperse peacefully, without elaborating on whether further action would be taken if the site was not vacated.
Videos circulating on social media showed Wangchuk being escorted away by police personnel, including some in plain clothes, triggering criticism from opposition leaders and civil society groups. Reuters could not independently verify the videos.
Following Wangchuk’s removal, members of the protest announced that activist Dipke would continue the agitation through an indefinite hunger strike.
Wangchuk, an engineer, education reformer and climate activist from Ladakh, has been spearheading protests over issues relating to constitutional safeguards, environmental protection and governance in the Himalayan region.
The latest developments come as opposition parties prepare to raise several contentious issues during Parliament’s monsoon session, while authorities have stepped up security arrangements in the national capital ahead of the proceedings.
