In a significant demonstration on October 13, 2024, climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was detained alongside 20 other protestors outside the Ladakh Bhawan in New Delhi. The Delhi Police confirmed the detentions, stating that the group was protesting without the necessary permissions.
Approximately 20 to 25 supporters of Wangchuk, who were observing a fast, were taken to the Mandir Marg police station for peacefully sitting in protest. Despite the heavy police presence, some participants argued they were engaging in a peaceful sit-in rather than a protest.
A senior police official clarified that the group had applied for permission to hold their demonstration at Jantar Mantar, but that request was still under consideration. They were informed that they were not authorized to protest at the current location, resulting in their detention, which was expected to be brief.
Wangchuk and his supporters had previously marched from Leh to Delhi, advocating for Ladakh’s inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, a provision that allows for autonomous governance in tribal areas. They had already been detained at the Singhu border on September 30 but were released shortly after.
The protestors are pressing for a meeting with high-ranking officials, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Their demands extend beyond constitutional inclusion to statehood for Ladakh, the establishment of a public service commission, and separate Lok Sabha seats for both Leh and Kargil districts.
The Sixth Schedule provides for autonomous councils with legislative, executive, judicial, and financial powers to govern certain northeastern states, which supporters believe could enhance local governance in Ladakh.
Published – October 13, 2024 05:35 pm IST
