New Delhi, July 19, 2026

Education activist Sonam Wangchuk has appealed to supporters to ensure a strong turnout for the march to Parliament after sharing a handwritten note from Safdarjung Hospital, where he says he is being held under "illegal detention." Although he was removed from Jantar Mantar, Wangchuk has continued his hunger strike, which has now crossed three weeks. With Parliament's Monsoon Session set to resume, his wife, Gitanjali J. Angmo, has announced that she will lead the protest in his absence.

In his note, Wangchuk described the ongoing movement as "India's 2nd freedom movement," calling for "freedom from injustice (like paper leaks)" and "freedom from fear (my illegal detention)." He urged supporters to make the Parliament march a "big success." An educator and long-time activist, Wangchuk has consistently advocated for transparency and accountability in the education system. His latest protest was sparked by the alleged NEET paper leak after he joined the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)'s demonstration against Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on June 28.

On July 18, the 21st day of his hunger strike, Delhi Police shifted Wangchuk from Jantar Mantar to Safdarjung Hospital. The move followed directions from the Delhi High Court, which had asked authorities to take necessary steps to safeguard his life. Meanwhile, Angmo has moved the High Court seeking permission to transfer him to a private hospital, alleging a lack of transparency in the treatment being provided.

As the controversy continues to draw attention, the planned Parliament march is expected to become a key moment in the ongoing campaign over education reforms and accountability. Supporters are likely to intensify their demands while legal proceedings regarding Wangchuk's medical care continue.