Archive · 10 Oct 2026
Wangchuk Condemns Delhi Arrests, Warns of Possible Hunger Strike
A group called the Cockroach Janta Party planned a protest in Delhi about alleged problems with voter lists.
Reports said many people, including student leaders and politicians, were arrested as authorities restricted movement in the city.
Sonam Wangchuk said the arrests were wrong and called on the government to talk with people.
He warned that he might hold a peaceful protest, fast or march if the arrests were not withdrawn within 24 hours.
Jahanzaib Sirwal also said officials should listen to young people and address their concerns.
The articles do not include a response from the government.
Sonam Wangchuk condemned arrests in Delhi connected to efforts to stop a Cockroach Janta Party protest at Jantar Mantar.
The planned protest called for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation over alleged electoral-roll irregularities.
Wangchuk urged authorities to release those arrested and resolve the issues through dialogue.
He said he may hold a peaceful sit-in, hunger strike or march in Leh or Delhi if arrests are not withdrawn within 24 hours.
Jahanzaib Sirwal also called for dialogue, saying restrictions may disperse protests but do not resolve the concerns behind them.
- Who
- Sonam Wangchuk, Jahanzaib Sirwal, and people arrested in Delhi, including student and youth leaders and opposition politicians.
- What
- Wangchuk condemned reported arrests linked to a planned protest and warned he may stage a peaceful sit-in, hunger strike or march.
- When
- Saturday, October 10; Wangchuk set a 24-hour period for the arrests to be withdrawn.
- Where
- Delhi, with Wangchuk saying any action he takes could be in Leh or Delhi.
- Why
- The planned protest sought the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in electoral rolls.
- Planned protest location
- Jantar Mantar, Delhi
- Protest demand
- Resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar
- Reason cited for demand
- Alleged irregularities in electoral rolls
- Wangchuk's requested response
- End the arrests and address the issues through dialogue
- Possible action
- Peaceful sit-in, hunger strike or march in Leh or Delhi
- Time frame stated
- Within 24 hours
- Restrictions reported
- Heavy security deployment and restrictions in the national capital