Ladakh activist Sonam Wangchuk was detained by Delhi police along with dozens of other activists while attempting to march into the capital. This incident has ignited political tensions, particularly between the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with claims that AAP Chief Minister Atishi was barred from meeting Wangchuk.
The March to Delhi
Wangchuk was leading the ‘Delhi Chalo Padyatra’, a march that began in Leh a month ago, advocating for greater autonomy for Ladakh. Around 120 activists from Ladakh participated in the march but were detained on Monday night for allegedly violating prohibitory orders, according to police reports. They were taken to various police stations, including Bawana, Narela Industrial Area, and Alipur, after police requested their return from the border, citing Section 163 of the BNS imposed in the national capital.
Reasons Behind the Protest
Sonam Wangchuk, a noted innovator and educator, has increasingly focused on issues surrounding Ladakh’s administrative autonomy. In 2019, he wrote to the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, advocating for Scheduled Area status for Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. This demand was echoed by students in Ladakh, leading to the formation of the Leh Apex Body (ABL) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), which have been actively seeking statehood for Ladakh.
Wangchuk has emphasized that the BJP made promises during the 2019 general elections to grant protections under the Sixth Schedule, and he insists the government should fulfill its commitments. Talks between the ABL-KDA and the Union Home Ministry earlier this year reached a deadlock, prompting Wangchuk and others to undertake a 21-day hunger strike in Leh.
Political Outrage Over Detention
Wangchuk’s detention has sparked significant political outrage. Activists claimed that they had sought official permission for their march and had even emailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, yet their requests were allegedly used to justify their detention. Reports also indicated that Wangchuk was not allowed to meet with his lawyer.
Delhi Chief Minister Atishi expressed her support for Wangchuk and condemned the detention, describing it as indicative of the “dictatorship” of the BJP. She reiterated the call for Ladakh to achieve full state status, alongside demands for Delhi’s statehood.
Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal criticized the detention, questioning how Wangchuk and the other activists could remain held for over 24 hours. He highlighted Wangchuk’s respect within Ladakh and across India, noting that their march had been peaceful throughout.
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