Wangchuk, who had initially called for unity during protests, expressed disappointment over detentions, stating he might resort to a hunger strike or a march if the detainees are not released soon.
Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk on Saturday called the situation in India an “undeclared emergency” as the national capital was turned into a fortress with Delhi Police’s sweeping crackdown in the wake of protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the alleged irregularities in the election process.
Wangchuk, who had appealed for unity and peace ahead of the protest, said he would consider an “Anshan fast” or a “padyatra” march if those arrested were not released by Sunday. Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leaders Abhijeet Dipke, Saurav Das, Ashutosh Ranka, CPI(ML) Liberation General Secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya, AISA president Neha Bora, activists Yogendra Yadav and Prashant Bhushan and YouTuber Dhruv Rathee, among others, were detained by the police.
“INDIA IN A STATE OF UNDECLARED EMERGENCY…When I posted a message appealing for unity & peace in today’s protest, I had never imagined that the biggest democracy in the world would be under an undeclared EMERGENCY,” Wangchuk posted on X (formerly Twitter) along with a video message.
“I was happy there were so many leaders to lead the movement. I hope those arrested will be released soon. I will be compelled to consider Anshan Fast or Padyatra March if they are not released by tomorrow,” he wrote.
INDIA IN A STATE OF UNDECLARED EMERGENCY…
Yesterday when I posted a message appealing for unity & peace in today’s protest I had never imagined that the biggest democracy in the world would be under an undeclared EMERGENCY.
I was happy there were so many leaders to lead the movement, but I now learn that they have all been arrested. 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.
#JantarMantar #protest #CJP #CEC #sonamwangchuk— Sonam Wangchuk (@Wangchuk66) October 10, 2026
Earlier on Friday, Wangchuk had explained why hewould not be able to attend the CJP-led October 10 protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Wangchuk said he was occupied with preparations for the approaching winter, including work related to water security and glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) risks in the high Himalayas. Wangchuk quoted Urdu poet Faiz Ahmed Faiz, writing, “Aur Bhi Gham Hain Zamaane Main Siyaast Ke Siva… Rahaten aur bhi hain wasl ki raahat ke siva,” suggesting that there were other pressing concerns beyond politics.
