New Delhi: Delhi police detained Sonam Wangchuk, a prominent climate activist, along with 120 others from Ladakh at the city’s border as they marched toward the capital to advocate for the protection of their land and cultural identity. The group was demanding the inclusion of the Ladakh region in the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution to safeguard local interests against external influences.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the detentions have sparked significant outcry, with Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, decrying the actions as “unacceptable” and calling on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address the concerns of the Ladakhi people. Gandhi emphasized the peaceful nature of the march and criticized the government’s response to the demonstrators, who included veterans and senior citizens, on social media.
The marchers, who started their journey on foot from Leh to New Delhi, were stopped unexpectedly by a substantial police force at the Delhi border. Despite initial beliefs that they would be merely escorted, it became evident that they were being detained. Wangchuk shared updates via Instagram, describing the heavy police deployment and expressing disappointment over the disruption of their peaceful protest.
The demonstrators have been vocal in seeking dialogue with the central government to discuss the unique socio-economic and environmental issues facing the Ladakh region. The detainment has halted these efforts temporarily, raising questions about the measures taken by authorities against peaceful assembly and protest.