Activist’s wife vows to lead the march today, says govt is afraid of people joining
New Delhi, July 19: Activist Sonam Wangchuk on Saturday described today’s Parliament march as India’s “second freedom movement”, calling for “freedom from fear” and “freedom from injustice” while urging supporters to make the mobilisation a “big success”.
A day after Wangchuk was shifted to Safdarjung hospital following health deterioration resulting from 20 days of hunger strike, his wife Angmo said that the BJP-led Central government is “scared” that a huge number of people will join the agitator during a peaceful march to the Parliament, scheduled to be held today. Angmo’s reaction came after the Delhi High Court on Sunday refused to pass any interim order on a plea filed by her, challenging Wangchuk’s continued hospitalisation at Safdarjung Hospital, observing that the government’s decision to shift him from the Jantar Mantar protest site in view of his deteriorating medical condition could not be termed arbitrary.
Sonam’s wife vows to lead Parl march
The march is expected to be led by Gitanjali Angmo, wife of educationist and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who remains admitted at Safdarjung Hospital. Gitanjali has made it clear that the planned march to Parliament today will go ahead. However, she added that the protest would be called off if education accountability is raised in Parliament.
She also said she would represent her husband and lead the procession if he is unable to join. “I will definitely represent him in tomorrow’s protest,” she stated, adding that Wangchuk intends to continue his fast.
She has also raised concerns over the circumstances of his hospitalisation and sought greater transparency from the hospital authorities.
Delhi Police plan crackdown
Delhi Police have made elaborate security arrangements, including keeping water cannons ready, ahead of a proposed protest march to Parliament by supporters of the CJP, today. Several clips circulating online claim water cannons are being cleaned and positioned, with Rapid Action Force personnel also visible in the area.
‘Wangchuk, Opp’s political pawn’
Delhi BJP President Harsh Malhotra said on Sunday that the appearance of senior and highly paid lawyers, including MPs Kapil Sibal and Vivek Tankha, before the Delhi HC to seek interim relief in the Sonam Wangchuk matter makes it evident that he is not an ordinary activist but a political pawn of the entire Opposition.
‘Centre undermining democracy’
Maharashtra Congress MLA Nana Patole on Sunday accused the government of showing a “dictatorial” attitude, a day after activist Sonam Wangchuk was forcibly taken to hospital by Delhi Police on the 21st day of his hunger strike, alleging that democracy was being undermined. (Agencies)
