Srinagar: Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk on Saturday escalated his criticism of the sweeping police crackdown in New Delhi, warning that he may launch an indefinite hunger strike or undertake a padyatra if political leaders and student activists detained during protests are not released by Sunday.
Wangchuk, who posted a video message on ‘X’, described the situation in the national capital as an “undeclared emergency”, expressing shock that several leaders who were expected to join the demonstration against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar had been taken into preventive custody.
The protest was triggered by allegations of irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
He said he had urged unity and non‑violence ahead of the protest, recalling his earlier appeal to Gen Z demonstrators to remain peaceful.
However, he admitted he had not anticipated the scale of detentions.
“I was happy there were so many leaders to lead the movement, but I now learn that they have all been arrested,” he said.
Wangchuk issued a 24‑hour ultimatum, stating that if detainees are not released by Sunday, he will be “compelled” to begin an “Anshan” or lead a “padyatra” in Delhi or Leh, adding that “no amount of barricades will stop the people’s resolve.”
He said, “After returning here (Leh) a short while ago, I came to know that a large number of arrests have been made in Delhi — of student leaders, youth leaders, lawyers, journalists, and even Members of Parliament.
Yesterday, when I appealed to all of you to maintain peace and unity during today’s protests, I genuinely believed that permission for a peaceful demonstration would surely be granted in the world’s largest democracy.
But it now appears that an undeclared emergency has been imposed across the country.”
He added, “I strongly condemn this and urge the government to end this spree of arrests by this evening and resolve the issues at hand.
However, if the arrests do not stop within the next 24 hours, I will also be compelled to consider a peaceful protest — whether it is a dharna, a fast, or a padyatra — in Leh or in Delhi.
I still hope the government will choose dialogue and resolve these matters before such steps become necessary. Jai Hind.”
Wangchuk has emerged as a prominent voice in recent youth-led protest movements, previously leading demonstrations at Jantar Mantar over exam irregularities and governance issues.
His latest warning adds pressure on the government as opposition parties rally behind the detainees and accuse authorities of abusing power.
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