# Sonam Wangchuk Issues 24-Hour Ultimatum Over Delhi Detentions, Warns of Hunger Strike and Foot March

> Ladakh social activist Sonam Wangchuk has compared the widespread detentions in Delhi to an undeclared emergency, giving authorities a 24-hour deadline. He stated he will consider launching a hunger strike, sit-in, or foot march across Leh or Delhi if all detainees are not freed.

**Type:** article · **Category:** Delhi · **Published:** 2026-10-10 · **Source:** TrendKia
**Canonical:** https://trendkia.com/en/delhi/delhi-men-giraphtariyon-ke-khilapha-sonam-wangchuk-ka-altimetama-24-ghnte-men-rihai-na-hone-para-anashana-aura-padayatra-ka-ailana-46068 · **Language:** English
**Tags:** Sonam Wangchuk, Delhi Police, Jantar Mantar, Gyanesh Kumar, CJP, SIR, Protests

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The activist issued a strict deadline, declaring that if the detentions are not withdrawn within the next 24 hours, he will be compelled to consider launching his own peaceful demonstration.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.

## What this means for you
The detention of over 7,000 protesters in Delhi and Sonam Wangchuk's ultimatum signal heightened administrative vigilance and potential disruptions across key transit zones.

- **Across India:** The incident has triggered wider debates concerning the right to assemble peacefully and the treatment of dissenting voices. Student bodies, legal professionals, and civil society groups may coordinate nationwide solidarity campaigns in response.
- **In Delhi and Leh:** Commuters and travelers near Jantar Mantar, airports, and major corridors could encounter security checkpoints and localized travel restrictions. If Wangchuk initiates a foot march or sit-in after 24 hours, civic movement in Leh or central Delhi could face further diversions.
- **For activists and students:** Legal defense efforts will likely intensify as families and associations seek bail for the numerous youth leaders, journalists, and advocates detained. Demonstrators must navigate increased law enforcement surveillance across sensitive gathering points.
- **For political outfits:** The detention of CJP leaders directly off an aircraft and clashes between opposing factions point to volatile political temperatures. Political organizations may escalate campaigns demanding accountability from the authorities.

## Why this happened
The developments followed aggressive police action against mass demonstrations demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and opposing SIR.

- **Opposition to the CEC and SIR:** Various groups led by the Cockroach Janata Party staged demonstrations across Delhi demanding Gyanesh Kumar step down and protesting against SIR. Law enforcement mobilized quickly across the capital to curb the gathering.
- **Detentions at the airport and protest venues:** To preempt the agitation, authorities detained CJP leaders directly off their flight at Delhi Airport and took over 7,000 people into custody at Jantar Mantar and surrounding areas, including journalists, lawyers, lawmakers, and students.
- **Wangchuk's public ultimatum:** Alarmed by the scale of the police response and the suppression of peaceful assembly, activist Sonam Wangchuk condemned the detentions as an undeclared emergency and warned of further protest action within 24 hours.

## Questions & Answers

### 1. What warning did Sonam Wangchuk give to the government?
He warned that if all detained individuals are not freed within 24 hours, he will consider organizing a sit-in, hunger strike, or foot march in Leh or Delhi.

### 2. What were the primary demands behind the Delhi protests?
The demonstrations were organized to oppose SIR and demand the resignation of Gyanesh Kumar.

### 3. How many individuals were detained during the protest in Delhi?
Delhi Police took over 7,000 individuals into custody during the anti-CEC demonstrations led by the CJP.

### 4. Which leaders were detained at the airport?
CJP leaders Abhijeet Dipke, Ashutosh Ranka, and Saurav Das were taken into custody directly from their flight at Delhi Airport.

### 5. How did Sonam Wangchuk describe the situation in the country?
He expressed grave concern and stated that the widespread arrests give the impression of an undeclared emergency.

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