Ladakhi activist Sonam Wangchuk has warned that he may begin a hunger strike or undertake a foot march if political leaders and protesters detained in Delhi on Saturday are not released by Sunday.
Several leaders, activists and protesters were taken into custody by Delhi Police while attempting to march towards Jantar Mantar. The protest was organised against alleged irregularities in the functioning of the Election Commission.
Those detained included Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke, Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee.
In a video message shared on his social media handles, Wangchuk described the situation in the country as an “undeclared emergency”. He said he had earlier appealed for unity and peace during the protest but had not expected the world’s biggest democracy to be under such conditions.
Wangchuk had extended his support to the demonstration but could not attend it in person in Delhi. He said he had been encouraged by the presence of several leaders who could guide the movement, but later learnt that they had all been arrested.
The activist said he hoped the detained leaders would be released soon. However, he added that he would be “compelled to consider an Anshan Fast or Padyatra March” if they remained in custody by Sunday.
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