NEW DELHI— Gitanjali J. Angmo, the wife of activist Sonam Wangchuk, joined a protest march toward India's Parliament on Monday after her husband remained in Safdarjung Hospital under court-backed restrictions, keeping a planned demonstration alive despite heightened security measures and limits imposed by authorities.
The march was organized by supporters of Wangchuk, who has been on a prolonged hunger strike over demands related to alleged irregularities in India's education system. Wangchuk was moved from a protest site at Jantar Mantar to the government-run hospital on health grounds after police cited medical advice and compliance with a Delhi High Court order. Authorities have maintained that the transfer was necessary to protect his health.
Angmo, who had said before the march that she would lead it if her husband was prevented from participating, joined demonstrators as police deployed barricades and security personnel around central Delhi. She has challenged Wangchuk's continued stay at Safdarjung Hospital, arguing before the Delhi High Court that he is not under arrest and should be allowed to move freely or receive treatment at a medical facility of his choice.
Wangchuk has said his movement, speech and communications have been restricted while he remains in hospital. In public messages released through his supporters, he said he would consider ending his fast if the government accepted responsibility for the issues raised or if political leaders formally committed to addressing them through Parliament.
The demonstrations have drawn students and supporters from several parts of India, with participants calling for accountability over examination-related controversies and broader education reforms. Protest organizers said the march would proceed peacefully despite restrictions, while police maintained security arrangements in the capital.
Health Minister J.P. Nadda has offered to raise the protesters' concerns within the government, according to protest leaders, as officials sought to open a channel for dialogue. Protest representatives said they were prepared to engage if meaningful discussions took place, while continuing to press their demands.
As of Monday, Wangchuk remained at Safdarjung Hospital, and legal proceedings over his hospitalization and movement restrictions were continuing alongside the demonstrations in New Delhi.
