Delhi Police detained several people on Sunday outside Ladakh Bhawan, where Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has been on an indefinite hunger strike since October 6. Wangchuk has advocated for the inclusion of Ladakh in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
The protest called the “Delhi Chalo Padayatra, ” aimed to draw attention to critical issues in the Union Territory, including demands for constitutional rights and environmental protections. Earlier police reported that Wangchuk was among those detained, but the New Delhi DCP later confirmed that he was not one of the individuals taken into custody.
“We have detained some students from outside the Ladhak Bhawan. Sonam Wangchuk is not among them”
Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) Devesh Mahla
How Many People Joined the “Delhi Chalo Padayatra” and What Led to Detention?
Nearly 1,000 participants from Leh took part in the “Delhi Chalo Padayatra” as they neared the city border. However, police officials intervened at the Singhu border, citing Section 163 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). The section states the prohibition of gatherings until October 6.
What Was the Purpose of Sonam Wangchuk’s March to Delhi?
On September 1, Wangchuk, along with the volunteers from the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), initiated a foot march from Leh to New Delhi. Their goal is to urge the central government to restart talks with Ladakh’s leaders about constitutional rights and environmental protections for the Union Territory.
“We are on a mission to remind the government of the promise it made to us five years ago”.
Sonam Wangchuk
The march was set to conclude at Rajghat on Gandhi Jayanti on October 2 in honor of Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary. Despite receiving warnings from authorities regarding prohibitory orders, the group proceeded with their march and encountered police resistance upon reaching Delhi.
Past Detention of Sonam Wangchuk and Police Justification
Sonam Wangchuk claimed that he was detained by Delhi Police with about 150 supporters during their march toward the national capital on September 30. Wangchuk informed the public through social media.
The police detained Wangchuk and his supporters, which included old individuals and Army veterans. They use Section 163 of the BNNS as their rationale. An officer stated, “We tried to convince them to go back as Section 163 of the BNS is imposed in the national capital, but they were adamant”. The activists were subsequently taken to various police stations, such as Bawana and the Narela Industrial Area.
“I AM BEING DETAINED… along with 150 padyatris at the Delhi Border, by a police force of hundreds, some say 1,000. Many elderly men & women in their 80s and a few dozen Army veterans… Our fate is unknown.”
Sonam Wangchuk
Reports indicated that around 30 women were among those detained, although the Delhi Police refuted this assertion. Activists later initiated an indefinite hunger strike at the police station where they were being held.
What Demands Are Sonam Wangchuk and His Supporters Making?
Wangchuk and his supporters presented a four-point agenda, which included:
- Incorporate Ladakh into the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution to grant local law-making authority.
- Grant statehood to Ladakh.
- Establishment of a public service commission.
- Create separate Lok Sabha seats for Leh and Kargil districts to enhance political representation.
These demands seek to prompt the government to resume halted discussions regarding the future of Ladakh.
How Were Opposition Leaders and Supporters Reacting to Past Detention?
The detention of Wangchuk has faced backlash from opposition leaders. Rahul Gandhi described the action as ‘unacceptable’, questioning the detention of older citizens who are advocating for the future of Ladakh.
“Modi ji, like with the farmers, this ‘Chakravyuh’ will be broken, and so will your arrogance”.
Rahul Gandhi
Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also condemned the actions of the police.
“Sometimes they stop farmers from coming to Delhi, sometimes they stop people from Ladakh. Is Delhi the property of one person? Delhi is the country’s capital. Everyone has the right to come to Delhi. This is completely wrong. Why are they afraid of unarmed peaceful people?”
Former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal
In response to the detentions, the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) and Leh Apex Body have organized a “Ladakh Band”. The initiative shows support for Wangchuk and his mission. Hajan Fathima Bano, a leader of the Apex Body, highlighted that the protest aims for constitutional inclusion rather than inciting conflict.
What’s Next for the Activists?
Wangchuk’s supporters are still in detention, and the situation continues to evolve. Their commitment to fighting for Ladakh’s rights and environmental protections has sparked considerable public interest and political debate. The results of their protest and the following actions will probably influence future conversations about Ladakh’s status and requirements.
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Mallika Sadhu is a journalist committed to revealing the raw, unfiltered truth. Mallika's work is grounded in a dedication to transparency and integrity, aiming to present clear and impactful stories that matter. Through comprehensive reporting and honest storytelling, she strives to contribute to provide narratives that genuinely inform and engage. When not dwelling in the world of journalism, she is immersed in the colors of her canvas and pages of her journal.
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