Sonam Wangchuk Warns of Fast Over Delhi Detentions

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has warned that he may launch a hunger strike or padyatra if protesters detained during Saturday’s demonstrations in Delhi are not released by Sunday.

Sonam Wangchuk seeks release of detainees

Wangchuk issued the warning in a video message after large-scale preventive detentions were carried out ahead of a planned protest at Jantar Mantar demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

Several political leaders, student activists and protesters were detained as authorities prevented demonstrators from reaching the protest site.

Wangchuk described the situation as an “undeclared emergency” and said he had expected other leaders to take forward the protest without his participation.

“I hope those arrested will be released soon. I will be compelled to consider an Anshan Fast or Padyatra March if they are not released by tomorrow,” he said.

Delhi protest sees widespread detentions

Among those detained were political leaders and activists including Arvind Kejriwal and student leader Neha Bora.

Delhi Police continued taking protesters into preventive custody after informing them that permission had not been granted for the gathering at Jantar Mantar.

Reports indicated that at least 1,000 people had been detained overnight ahead of the demonstration, with the number rising further during Saturday’s police action across the capital.

Protest targets Election Commission chief

The demonstration was organised around demands for Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation and objections to the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.

Protesters have alleged irregularities and wrongful deletions from voter lists, while the Election Commission has rejected accusations of political bias and defended the revision exercise.

Wangchuk had earlier said he would not join Saturday’s demonstration but warned of further non-violent action following the detentions.