The Union Government should take meaningful cognizance of the deteriorating health of activist and innovator Sonam Wangchuk and make sincere efforts to ensure that the situation does not escalate into a humanitarian crisis. Whatever the merits or political overtones of the ongoing protest, the life of every citizen is invaluable and must remain the foremost concern of the State.
According to doctors monitoring his condition, Wangchuk has lost more than nine kilograms during his prolonged indefinite hunger strike and has entered a critical phase where extended fasting could begin affecting vital organs. Despite repeated appeals from public figures, social activists and supporters to call off his fast, he has maintained that he will not do so without a meaningful response from the government.
Among those who have urged Wangchuk to end his fast is Dr. Karan Singh, who has appealed to him to resume a normal diet, observing that the country cannot afford to lose an innovator who has made significant contributions to the development of Ladakh. Music composer Vishal Dadlani, actor Sayaji Shinde and author Shobhaa De have also appealed for dialogue and expressed concern over his declining health.
The matter has now also come under judicial scrutiny. The Delhi High Court has directed the authorities to monitor Wangchuk’s health on a daily basis and ensure that necessary medical intervention is provided whenever required, observing that the life of every citizen is precious. The Centre and the Delhi Government have informed the Court that they have no objection to regular medical monitoring and appropriate medical care.
While the medical safeguards ordered by the Court are welcome, they should not become a substitute for constructive engagement. The government should make every reasonable effort to persuade Wangchuk to end his fast through dialogue rather than allow the situation to deteriorate further. At the same time, any engagement should be confined to legitimate issues that merit discussion and must not be seen as an endorsement of every political demand or campaign associated with this on-going protest.
The demonstration at Jantar Mantar has attracted support from certain political groups and civil society organisations. However, the nature, objectives and political messaging surrounding the agitation continue to invite differing opinions, and there is no unanimity that it represents a broad-based public movement. That, however, does not diminish the State’s constitutional responsibility to protect life and ensure that peaceful dissent is handled with sensitivity and restraint.
In a democracy, peaceful protest has its place, but so does the responsibility of all stakeholders to avoid situations that place human life at risk. The government should therefore rise above political considerations, engage where appropriate, and take every possible step to safeguard Wangchuk’s health while allowing democratic processes to address the issues in dispute.
