New Delhi, July 18: Climate activist and education reform advocate Sonam Wangchuk was shifted to Safdarjung Hospital by the Delhi Police on Saturday morning after his indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar entered its 21st day.

The Delhi Police said the move was carried out in compliance with the Delhi High Court’s directions and on the advice of medical experts due to Wangchuk’s deteriorating health. Police added that some protesters attempted to obstruct the operation, causing minor commotion, but the transfer was completed peacefully. Authorities have also appealed to protesters to vacate the protest site peacefully.

Safdarjung Hospital said Wangchuk is conscious and currently stable but is suffering from weakness and dehydration caused by prolonged fasting. Doctors said he requires continuous observation and medical treatment to restore his health. His wife, Gitanjali J. Angmo, requested that no oral or intravenous treatment be administered without the consent of the family and the doctors who had been monitoring his health during the past 20 days.

Meanwhile, the protest continued at Jantar Mantar. Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke, who was earlier detained by police, began an indefinite hunger strike after his release. Addressing supporters, he said the movement would continue and that protesters would proceed with their planned march to Parliament on July 20. Dipke also announced that, in addition to demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, the protest would now seek Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s resignation.

Three students—Neha, Aameen and Manish—also continued their hunger strike at Jantar Mantar. CJP leaders accused the Delhi Police of forcibly removing Wangchuk and alleged that protesters were manhandled during the operation, claims that police have denied.

The developments drew sharp political reactions. Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal criticised the government, saying it should have engaged in dialogue instead of forcibly shifting Wangchuk to a hospital. NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar, AAP leader Sanjay Singh, Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav, CPI(M) general secretary M.A. Baby, and several other opposition leaders also condemned the police action and expressed support for the protesters.

Earlier, the Delhi High Court had directed authorities to monitor Wangchuk’s health daily and ensure that all necessary medical care was provided, observing that every citizen’s life is valuable and must be protected.

Sonam Wangchuk has been on an indefinite hunger strike since June 28, demanding education reforms, accountability over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak, and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Despite his hospitalisation, organisers have said the protest and the planned Parliament march on July 20 will continue.