Leh, Ladakh – Hundreds of residents in Leh took to the streets on Tuesday to protest the detention of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk by the Delhi Police. Wangchuk, a renowned engineer and education reformer from Ladakh, was detained along with 125 fellow protesters at the Singhu border on Monday. This action came in the wake of prohibitory orders in the capital, effective until October 6.
The protests erupted as Wangchuk’s ‘Delhi Chalo Padyatra’ approached the national capital, where police intervened to halt the march. This demonstration, which aims to culminate at Rajghat on October 2 to commemorate Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary, began on September 1. It seeks to urge the central government to resume discussions with Ladakh’s leadership.
The protesters demand a four-point agenda that includes statehood for Ladakh, inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, the establishment of a dedicated public service commission with an expedited recruitment process, and separate Lok Sabha seats for Leh and Kargil.
In Leh, demonstrators—comprising men, women, and students—gathered to express their solidarity with Wangchuk. Chanting slogans like “Delhi Police, shame shame,” they called for his immediate release and demanded the right to continue their march toward the capital.
The response to Wangchuk’s detention drew criticism from prominent political figures, including Rahul Gandhi. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Gandhi stated, “Modi ji, like with the farmers, this ‘Chakravyuh’ will be broken, and so will your arrogance. You will have to listen to Ladakh’s voice.” He condemned the detention of elderly citizens, emphasizing that the peaceful marchers were advocating for their environmental and constitutional rights.
Wangchuk is known for his innovative strategies in education and sustainable development. Earlier this year, he held a protest at an altitude of 3,500 meters in freezing temperatures, calling for increased autonomy for Ladakh. The current protests highlight a growing discontent among Ladakhis regarding their political representation and environmental rights, drawing attention to their demands on a national stage.
Sources By Agencies
