Sonam Wangchuk warns of fast, foot march if detained leaders in Delhi are not released

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has warned of an indefinite fast or foot march if detained leaders are not released by Sunday, as the CJP protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar triggered a security clampdown and political backlash in Delhi.Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk. (Source: ITG)Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk on Saturday warned that he would consider an indefinite fast or a march on foot if leaders detained ahead of the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) planned protest in Delhi were not released by Sunday, describing the situation in the country as an “undeclared emergency”.In a post on X, Wangchuk expressed hope that those detained would be released soon. His warning came amid a security clampdown in the national capital ahead of the protest targeting Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over allegations of voter list manipulation.Wangchuk said he had earlier appealed for unity and peace during the planned demonstration but had not imagined that the situation would escalate to the point where several leaders were arrested.“I will be compelled to consider an Anshan Fast or Padyatra March if they are not released by tomorrow,” he said in his post. 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 The activist had earlier urged leaders of different groups to remain united and asked young protesters to maintain peace at all costs.WHY CJP IS PROTESTING IN DELHIThe Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) had planned the protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over allegations of voter list manipulation. The demonstration triggered a major security response, with Delhi Police detaining several protesters and Opposition leaders. Among those detained were CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke and several Opposition leaders, including former chief ministers. The detentions drew criticism from Opposition figures, with Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra accusing the government of curbing democratic freedoms.WHY WANGCHUK IS SKIPPING THE PROTESTWangchuk had earlier said he would not be able to join the gathering in Delhi as he was occupied with preparations for the approaching winter in the high Himalayas.He said his work included developing artificial glaciers to improve water security and conducting experiments to address the risks posed by glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs). Referring to the dangers posed by more than 200 glacial lakes in the high Himalayas, he said the work was important for national security and the safety of communities in the region.Wangchuk also invoked Mahatma Gandhi's legacy while urging protesters to remain peaceful, saying he hoped they would not let the Father of the Nation down.- Ends