Ladakh-based social activist Sonam Wangchuk has issued a stern warning following a massive crackdown by security personnel during protests in the national capital. Reacting to the large-scale detentions that unfolded around Jantar Mantar, Wangchuk released a video statement characterizing the current climate as an undeclared emergency and strongly criticizing the handling of peaceful dissent.
A 24-Hour Notice and Threats of Fresh Protest
Detailing the circumstances upon his return, Sonam Wangchuk explained that he learned of extensive detentions across Delhi affecting diverse groups, including student leaders, youth activists, legal practitioners, journalists, and members of parliament. Wangchuk noted that he had previously advised demonstrators to maintain calm and solidarity, operating under the expectation that the world's largest democracy naturally accommodates peaceful public demonstrations.
Denouncing the measures taken by authorities, Sonam Wangchuk stated,
"Now it feels as if an undeclared emergency has been imposed in the country. I strongly condemn this."He urged the government to revoke all detentions by this evening and address the grievances through dialogue.
The activist issued a strict deadline, declaring that if the detentions are not withdrawn within the next 24 hours, he will be compelled to consider launching his own peaceful demonstration. He indicated that such an initiative could take the shape of a sit-in demonstration, a hunger strike, or a long-distance foot march, organized either in Leh or in Delhi. Wangchuk maintained hope, however, that the administration would resolve the contentious matters via talks beforehand, avoiding the need for fresh agitation.
Protests Targeting CEC Gyanesh Kumar and SIR in the Capital
The unrest in Delhi stemmed from public mobilizations demanding the resignation of Gyanesh Kumar alongside demonstrations opposing SIR. Supporters of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) gathered at multiple locations throughout the city to air their grievances, prompting a swift police response. Law enforcement took CJP leaders Abhijeet Dipke, Ashutosh Ranka, and Saurav Das into custody directly from an aircraft at Delhi Airport.
During the anti-CEC demonstrations spearheaded by the CJP, police detained more than 7,000 individuals across the capital as personnel moved to round up demonstrators across various zones. The day also witnessed direct confrontations on the ground, with reports indicating that left-wing and right-wing protesters clashed with each other amidst the chaotic scenes in the city.
