The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Saturday criticized police action against education reform advocate Sonam Wangchuk, alleging that authorities forcibly took him to hospital and used force against his supporters at Jantar Mantar ahead of a proposed march to Parliament on July 20.
Addressing a press conference, AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh alleged that the Center was trying to prevent Wangchuk’s planned march to Parliament, which, according to him, was expected to attract participation of youth groups, members of the public and elected representatives.
Singh claimed that police arrived at Jantar Mantar on Saturday morning, dispersed those gathered there, and took Wangchuk to hospital while he was on a hunger strike. According to Singh, Wangchuk has been on an indefinite hunger strike for 21 days to raise concerns about issues affecting students and job aspirants, including the alleged leak of examination papers.
The AAP leader also claimed that the police action was linked to Wangchuk’s call for a peaceful march from Jantar Mantar to Parliament on July 20, coinciding with the start of Parliament’s monsoon session. He claimed that the proposed march aims to highlight concerns related to recruitment examinations and youth issues.
Singh also referred to media reports claiming that activist Abhijit Debaki was arrested during police action. There was no immediate official confirmation of the reported arrest.
Singh criticized the government’s handling of public protests, and alleged that authorities repeatedly responded to demonstrations by farmers, students and other groups with police action. He urged the youth to continue to support the Wangchuk campaign and peacefully participate in the proposed movement.
There was no immediate response from the Center or Delhi Police to the allegations made by the AAP leader.
