Archive · 10 Oct 2026
Wangchuk Threatens Fast or March Over Delhi Detentions
Sonam Wangchuk says many people were detained in New Delhi.
They had been expected to join a protest about alleged problems with voter lists.
Wangchuk called the crackdown an “undeclared emergency.”
He had earlier asked demonstrators to stay peaceful.
He said the detainees should be released and the arrests should stop.
He gave the government 24 hours to act.
If that does not happen, he may fast or lead a march in Leh or Delhi.
He says he hopes the government will choose dialogue instead.
Sonam Wangchuk called the police crackdown in New Delhi an “undeclared emergency.”
He said leaders and activists expected at a protest over alleged electoral-roll irregularities had been detained.
The protest was against alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Wangchuk gave authorities 24 hours to release detainees and end the arrests.
If they are not released by Sunday, he said he may begin a hunger strike or lead a foot march in Leh or Delhi.
- Who
- Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, detainees including student and youth leaders, lawyers, journalists and Members of Parliament, and the government.
- What
- Wangchuk condemned detentions linked to a protest and threatened a hunger strike or foot march if detainees are not released.
- When
- Saturday; he set a 24-hour deadline, with release by Sunday.
- Where
- The protest and detentions were in New Delhi; Wangchuk said a possible protest could be in Leh or Delhi.
- Why
- The protest was triggered by allegations of irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
- Person issuing warning
- Sonam Wangchuk
- Deadline
- Within 24 hours; Wangchuk said detainees should be released by Sunday.
- Protest location
- New Delhi
- Possible actions
- A hunger strike, dharna or padyatra in Leh or Delhi
- Issue prompting protest
- Alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls
- Official named
- Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar