Sonam Wangchuk threatens peaceful protest if Delhi detentions not reversed within 24 hours

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk warned on Saturday that he will launch a peaceful protest if Delhi authorities do not release detained youth, journalists and Members of Parliament within 24 hours. In a video posted on social media, Wangchuk said he had seen youths, journalists and even MPs being held since the morning and said he would be forced to consider a fast or a foot march if the arrests were not reversed by the next day. He condemned what he called an undeclared emergency and urged the government to end the arrests and resolve the issues. The detentions came ahead of a planned protest by the Cockroach Janta Party at Jantar Mantar, where organizers demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Among those arrested were political leaders Arvind Kejriwal, Mamata Banerjee, Pinarayi Vijayan, Neha Bora, Yogendra Yadav and senior lawyer Prashant Bhushan. Wangchuk, who led a fast at Jantar Mantar in June over the NEET‑UG paper leak controversy, recalled that the earlier agitation led to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation on July 25. He said he hoped the world’s biggest democracy would allow peaceful protests, but warned that if the detainees are not freed he may start an Anshan fast, a padyatra or a sit‑in in Leh or Delhi. The activist called for Gen‑Z supporters to remain peaceful while the situation unfolds.

Context

Jantar Mantar in Delhi has long been a gathering point for large‑scale protests. Detaining leaders and activists before a demonstration is seen as a test of the government’s tolerance for dissent. Wangchuk’s warning reflects broader concerns about the space for peaceful protest in India’s democratic system.