Sonam Wangchuk and 120 activists detained before entering Delhi.
Women participants in the march led by activist Sonam Wangchuk were not detained, even as Wangchuk and 120 others were held before entering Delhi. The march was organized to raise awareness on environmental and social issues in the Ladakh region. Authorities cited security concerns for the detentions, but allowed the women in the group to continue without hindrance. Despite the detentions, Wangchuk expressed hope that the movement’s message would still resonate with the public. The demonstration aimed to highlight the need for sustainable development and protection of the fragile ecology of Ladakh.
New Delhi: Around 120 individuals from Ladakh, including prominent climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, were detained by the Delhi Police at the city’s border while they were marching to the national According to police sources, the detained individuals will be taken to various police stations along the city border.
The march was organized by the Leh Apex Body (LAB), which, in collaboration with the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), has been leading an ongoing agitation for over four years. Their demands include statehood for Ladakh, extension of the Constitution’s sixth schedule to the region, the establishment of a public service commission for Ladakh, early recruitment processes, and separate Lok Sabha seats for Leh and Kargil districts. The sixth schedule status is significant as it would grant Ladakh greater autonomy and control over its governance and resources.
This was seen as a strategic decision, given that the detentions were carried out in response to prohibitory orders that ban gatherings of five or more individuals in the northern and central parts of Delhi. Authorities cited these orders as necessary for maintaining law and order in the face of numerous planned protests from various organizations in the national capital.
Wangchuk shared his experience on Instagram shortly before his detention, providing visuals from the Delhi border where the police presence was substantial. In a video, he could be seen engaging with police officials as their buses were stopped. Wangchuk expressed disappointment, stating that what was initially perceived as an escort by police vehicles was actually a prelude to their detention.
“As we are approaching Delhi, it appears we are not being escorted; we are being detained,” Wangchuk noted, highlighting the sudden shift in the situation as they neared the city. He mentioned that around 1,000 police personnel had been deployed at the Delhi border, with additional forces stationed at the Ladakh Bhawan and in areas where students from Ladakh reside, indicating a clear intention to prevent the padyatra from proceeding.
In light of these developments, the Delhi Police imposed a ban on gatherings of five or more individuals, as well as restrictions on carrying banners, placards, or any form of protest in the central and bordering areas of the city for the next six days. This decision followed concerns regarding potential law and order issues due to the anticipated protests.
An order issued from the Delhi Police Headquarters specified that Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora had directed the imposition of Section 163 (previously known as Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita in New Delhi, North, and Central districts, as well as in all police stations with jurisdiction along the borders with other states. This legal provision is often invoked to prevent gatherings that could disrupt public order.
The ongoing agitation by the Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance underscores the growing discontent among the people of Ladakh regarding their political status and governance. Since the abrogation of Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, there has been increasing concern among Ladakhis about their rights and representation. The demand for sixth schedule status reflects a desire for greater autonomy and control over local affairs.
The detention of Wangchuk and other march participants highlights the delicate balance between maintaining public order and respecting democratic rights to protest. The situation in Ladakh remains a focal point for discussions around regional governance, autonomy, and the aspirations of its people for a more equitable political framework. As the authorities navigate these complex dynamics, the voices of the Ladakhi people continue to resonate, demanding recognition and respect for their rights and needs.
Wangchuk and his supporters have vowed to persist in their struggle for greater autonomy and representation, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and engagement with the government to address their grievances. Their determination reflects a broader trend of marginalized communities seeking recognition and rights within the evolving political landscape of India.
As the situation unfolds, it will be crucial for both the government and civil society to engage constructively to address the aspirations of Ladakhis while ensuring peace and order in the region.