Sonam Wangchuk, a prominent climate activist, along with approximately 120 supporters, has initiated an indefinite fast after being detained at the Delhi border during their march to demand Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh. The march, named ‘Delhi Chalo Padyatra,’ commenced from Leh a month ago. Wangchuk and his group were apprehended on Monday night for violating prohibitory orders.
Organized by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), this movement has been advocating for statehood for Ladakh, inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, a streamlined recruitment process, and separate Lok Sabha seats for the districts of Leh and Kargil for the past four years.
According to a police spokesperson, the group was detained for breaching Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which prohibits gatherings of five or more individuals in the national capital. Despite attempts to persuade them to disperse, the activists remained resolute.
Wangchuk was reportedly taken to Bawana police station, where concerns were raised about his access to legal counsel. A representative from the group mentioned that the activists had sought official permission for their march, even reaching out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, but claimed this information was misused for their detention.
Ladakh MP Mohmad Haneefa reported that among the detainees, around 30 women were held with male protesters, which has raised concerns about their treatment. He noted that approximately 60-70 individuals from Kargil who attempted to join the march at Singhu border were also stopped by police.
While police stated that women protesters were not detained, Haneefa confirmed that the situation was different on the ground, highlighting ongoing tensions surrounding the demands for Ladakh’s rights.
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