Sonam Wangchuk Issues Ultimatum Over Detained Protesters

Activist Sonam Wangchuk has issued a formal warning to authorities, stating he will initiate an 'Anshan' (hunger strike) or a 'Padayatra' (foot march) if demonstrators and leaders detained during the recent protest crackdown are not released by Sunday. Wangchuk expressed significant concern regarding the police actions taken in the national capital, describing the current situation in the country as an “undeclared emergency.”The activist noted that he had previously advocated for a peaceful and unified protest movement. However, he stated that he had not anticipated the scale of the police intervention that followed. Upon learning that many of the leaders associated with the stir had been taken into custody, Wangchuk took to social media to voice his opposition to the detentions, calling for the immediate release of those held by security forces. The police had implemented various security measures across the city as the demonstrations unfolded.This is not the first instance of Wangchuk utilizing a hunger strike as a form of protest. In June 2026, he embarked on an indefinite fast at Jantar Mantar to highlight concerns over alleged irregularities and paper leaks in competitive examinations. That protest lasted for 26 days and concluded on July 24 following negotiations with the Centre, in the presence of Union ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh. During that earlier agitation, Wangchuk’s health had declined, necessitating medical attention at a hospital.As of Saturday, the situation remained tense in the national capital following the police crackdown on the stir. Wangchuk’s latest ultimatum underscores his continued involvement in public demonstrations, though it remains to be seen if authorities will address his demands before the Sunday deadline. The activist maintains that the arrests have significantly impacted the progress of the movement he initially supported for the sake of peace and unity.