The detention of researcher and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, alongside approximately 120 other protesters from Ladakh, has sparked a fierce political backlash against the BJP government from opposition parties. The group was engaged in a peaceful foot march to the national capital, advocating for Sixth Schedule status for their Union Territory, when Delhi Police forcibly stopped them at the capital’s border.
Wangchuk voiced the gravity of the situation, stating, “I AM BEING DETAINED… along with 150 padyatris at the Delhi border, confronted by hundreds, some say up to 1,000 police officers. Many of us are elderly, with some in their 80s, and several Army veterans are among us. Our fate is uncertain. We were on a peaceful march to Bapu’s Samadhi, the largest democracy in the world and the mother of democracy. Hai Ram!”
The protesters have emphasized that their march was rooted in non-violence and community solidarity, aiming to draw attention to the pressing issues faced by Ladakh. They demand recognition under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, which would grant greater autonomy and self-governance to the region.
As news of the detentions spreads, political leaders and activists across the country have rallied in support of the protesters, calling for their immediate release and urging the government to engage in dialogue with the people of Ladakh. The incident highlights ongoing tensions surrounding governance and representation in the region, as citizens seek to assert their rights and protect their cultural identity amidst rapid development and environmental challenges.
