Sonam Wangchuk Calls July 20 Parliament March India’s Second Freedom Movement
The activist called the planned protest a fight for justice while continuing his hunger strike under medical supervision in New Delhi.
Climate activist and educator Sonam Wangchuk has appealed to people across the country to take part in the July 20 Parliament March, describing it as India’s “second freedom movement.” He made the appeal through a handwritten message from his room at VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital in New Delhi, where he is receiving treatment after being shifted from his protest site during his indefinite hunger strike.
The message was shared on social media by his wife, Gitanjali J. Angmo. In the note, Wangchuk called for what he described as freedom from injustice and freedom from fear. He linked his appeal to concerns over public examination paper leaks and also claimed that he was being held under illegal detention.
His message quickly gained attention and renewed support for the ongoing protest movement. Wangchuk’s transfer to the hospital came after his health reportedly deteriorated during the hunger strike.
Delhi Police said he was moved to the hospital because of medical concerns after his condition worsened. However, his family questioned the official account and alleged that important medical details had not been fully disclosed. They also claimed that the hospital had been placed under heavy police security.
Despite increased security around Safdarjung Hospital and police action at the protest site, organisers have confirmed that the July 20 Parliament March will go ahead as planned. The demonstration is scheduled to coincide with the start of the Monsoon Session of Parliament.
The protesters are demanding major reforms in the National Testing Agency, an independent investigation into recent examination related controversies, and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. With support from several opposition parties, the march is expected to draw significant political attention.