Sonam Wangchuk and Ladakhi protesters released after 36-hour detention, government assures meeting

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and over 150 Ladakhi supporters were released after a 36-hour detention by Delhi Police, having been arrested while participating in the 'Delhi Chalo Padyatra.' This march, which began on September 1 from Leh, aimed to urge the Indian government to engage in dialogue with Ladakh's leadership regarding key demands, including the inclusion of Ladakh in the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. This provision would grant local communities greater autonomy over governance and resource management, which Wangchuk believes is essential for preserving the unique ecology and cultural identity of the region.

Upon their release, Wangchuk and his fellow protesters paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat and submitted a memorandum to the government outlining their demands for the protection of Ladakh under constitutional provisions. The memorandum calls for a democratic setup for Ladakh, including the restoration of statehood and the implementation of the Sixth Schedule. Wangchuk expressed optimism about a forthcoming meeting with senior government officials, stating, “We have been assured that we will meet top leadership, and the date of the meeting will be confirmed soon.”

The Delhi Police had cited the imposition of Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which restricts gatherings of five or more people in the central and bordering areas of Delhi, as the reason for the detention. Despite being detained initially on Monday night, Wangchuk and his supporters insisted on continuing their peaceful march towards the national capital. Their efforts highlight ongoing concerns regarding the governance of Ladakh, especially after its designation as a Union Territory in 2019, which stripped the region of its special constitutional status and protections. Wangchuk's past activism includes a 21-day hunger strike earlier this year, emphasizing the urgent need for local autonomy and development.