Sonam Wangchuk Threatens Fast Over Detention of Protesters

Environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk has demanded the release of leaders and protesters detained by Delhi Police within 24 hours, warning that he would launch a hunger strike or a foot march if they are not freed. The Kakroach Janata Party (CJP) had called for protests demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Police reportedly detained leaders and students who took part in the demonstration, stating that the protest had not been authorised. Wangchuk condemned the detentions, describing the situation as resembling an undeclared emergency.

Wangchuk also criticised the reported detention of several political leaders, including former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and former Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar. Welcoming the support extended to the protest by political leaders, he urged the authorities to release everyone by the following day. He warned that failure to do so would prompt him to undertake a hunger strike or a foot march. Wangchuk had earlier staged a hunger strike seeking the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.