{"id":145270,"date":"2024-10-01T04:58:14","date_gmt":"2024-10-01T04:58:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/news.talkwithrattan.com\/index.php\/2024\/10\/01\/sonam-wangchuk-120-others-detained-by-delhi-police-amid-protests-for-ladakhs-sixth-schedule-rights\/"},"modified":"2024-10-01T04:58:14","modified_gmt":"2024-10-01T04:58:14","slug":"sonam-wangchuk-120-others-detained-by-delhi-police-amid-protests-for-ladakhs-sixth-schedule-rights","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news.talkwithrattan.com\/index.php\/2024\/10\/01\/sonam-wangchuk-120-others-detained-by-delhi-police-amid-protests-for-ladakhs-sixth-schedule-rights\/","title":{"rendered":"Sonam Wangchuk, 120 others detained by Delhi Police amid protests for Ladakh\u2019s sixth schedule rights"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Sonam<\/div>\n
Around 120 people, including Ladakhi climate activist<\/a> Sonam Wangchuk, were detained by Delhi Police on their arrival at the city\u2019s border while participating in the \u2018Delhi Chalo Padyatra<\/a>.\u2019 The marchers, organized by the Leh Apex Body<\/a> (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance<\/a> (KDA), had been protesting for the inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule<\/a> of the Constitution, which grants special protections for tribal regions. Despite the protesters\u2019 attempts to stay overnight at the border, they were detained by police and taken to Alipur Police Station and other nearby stations.<\/p>\n

A Delhi Police officer confirmed the detentions, explaining that \u201cprohibitory orders were in place in Delhi, and the protesters were asked to return. When they refused to comply, we detained about 120 men, including Sonam Wangchuk<\/a>, at the Delhi border.\u201d<\/p>\n

Just before being detained, Wangchuk posted on social media, sharing visuals from the Delhi border. In a video on Instagram, Wangchuk could be seen interacting with police officials, discussing the situation. “As we are approaching Delhi, it appears we are not being escorted, we are being detained,” Wangchuk said in the post. He further described the heavy police deployment, stating that \u201caround 1,000 police personnel have been deployed at the Delhi border,\u201d adding that he had received reports of security forces being stationed at Ladakh Bhawan in Delhi and near areas where Ladakhi students live.<\/p>\n

Wangchuk emphasized that the authorities \u201cdon\u2019t want to allow this padyatra to take place,\u201d hinting at the heightened security measures around their peaceful protest.<\/p>\n

The ‘Delhi Chalo Padyatra’ was initiated by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) in collaboration with the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), as part of their continued efforts over the last four years to press for key demands for Ladakh. Among these demands are statehood for Ladakh, the extension of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, and the creation of a public service commission for local recruitment. The LAB and KDA are also advocating for separate Lok Sabha constituencies for Leh and Kargil districts to ensure better political representation.<\/p>\n


Sonam Wangchuk and his group of volunteers began their march from Leh on September 1, intending to reach New Delhi to draw attention to Ladakh’s demands. The march was also aimed at reminding the government of promises made five years ago, which Wangchuk says remain unfulfilled.In previous advocacy efforts, Wangchuk held a nine-day fast in Leh, urging the government to protect Ladakh\u2019s delicate mountain ecology and the interests of its indigenous people. He has also been a consistent voice in demanding special rights for the region under the Sixth Schedule, which he believes is crucial for safeguarding Ladakh\u2019s unique cultural and environmental heritage.In response to potential protests, the Delhi Police imposed prohibitory orders across North and Central Delhi, banning gatherings of five or more people for six days. An order issued from the Delhi Police Headquarters cited possible law and order concerns as the reason for the restrictions. The order, signed by Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora, applies to all areas in New Delhi, North, and Central districts, as well as regions bordering other states.<\/p>\n

Under these prohibitory measures, known as Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, public gatherings, protests, and the carrying of banners or placards are prohibited in the affected areas. The restrictions are set to remain in place until October 5, 2024.<\/p>\n

The detention of Sonam Wangchuk and his supporters drew sharp criticism from political leaders, most notably Rahul Gandhi. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Gandhi condemned the detentions, stating, “The detention of Sonam Wangchuk ji and hundreds of Ladakhis peacefully marching for environmental and constitutional rights is unacceptable. Why are elderly citizens being detained at Delhi\u2019s border for standing up for Ladakh\u2019s future? Modi ji, like with the farmers, this \u2018Chakravyuh\u2019 will be broken, and so will your arrogance. You will have to listen to Ladakh\u2019s voice.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n
\n

\u2014 Wangchuk66 (@Wangchuk66) <\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Wangchuk, in a separate post on X, also shared his frustration, writing, \u201cI AM BEING DETAINED… along with 150 padyatris at Delhi Border, by a police force of hundreds, some say 1,000. Many elderly men & women in their 80s and a few dozen Army veterans… Our fate is unknown. We were on a most peaceful march to Bapu’s Samadhi… in the largest democracy in the world, the mother of democracy… Hai Ram!”<\/p>\n

Wangchuk and his group have been calling for increased recognition of Ladakh\u2019s unique needs, from ecological protection to constitutional rights. Their key demand remains the inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule, which would give the region greater control over its land, resources, and governance, while protecting its cultural identity. With the continued deployment of security forces and the imposition of prohibitory orders, it remains unclear whether the protesters will be able to advance their cause without further confrontations with authorities.<\/p>\n

The march for Ladakh\u2019s rights has now become a focal point in the broader struggle for autonomy and environmental protection, bringing into sharp focus the challenges facing the region and its people.
<\/p>\n<\/div>\n