Delhi Police Detains Sonam Wangchuk And 20 Others For Protesting Outside Ladakh Bhawan

The Delhi Police detained climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and 20 others on October 13, 2024. They were protesting outside the Ladakh Bhawan in New Delhi. The police took them to the Mandir Marg police station.

They said the protesters didn’t have permission to gather there. This is because of Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita. It bans unauthorized gatherings in the capital.

Wangchuk shared a video message after the incident. He questioned the permanent use of Section 163 in New Delhi. He called it a “blot on our democracy.”

The protesters wanted to meet top leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi. They were demanding Ladakh’s inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. This would give the region more autonomy and self-governance.

Key Takeaways

• Delhi Police detained Sonam Wangchuk and 20 other protestors outside Ladakh Bhawan in New Delhi.
• The protesters were demonstrating to demand Ladakh’s inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
• Police cited Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, which prohibits unauthorized gatherings, as the reason for the detentions.
• Wangchuk questioned the permanent enforcement of this law in New Delhi, calling it a “blot on our democracy.”
• The protesters were seeking a meeting with top leadership, including the Prime Minister, to press their demands.

Sonam Wangchuk’s Indefinite Hunger Strike and Demands

Sonam Wangchuk, a Ramon Magsaysay awardee and climate activist, has been on an indefinite hunger strike since October 6, 2024. He is demanding Ladakh’s inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. Wangchuk and his supporters marched from Leh to Delhi, seeking statehood for Ladakh and more.

Inclusion of Ladakh in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution

The Sixth Schedule deals with tribal areas in northeastern states. It gives these areas their own councils for governance. Wangchuk wants Ladakh to join this schedule for more autonomy.

Over 170 people, including Sonam Wangchuk, were detained by Delhi Police at the Singhu border. In response, 173 detainees started an indefinite hunger strike. A detainee said there are 23 women and seven men at Arya Samaj Ashram in Narela.

The protesters have been fasting for over 36 hours. They want Ladakh in the Sixth Schedule, statehood, a public service commission, and separate Lok Sabha seats. The ‘Delhi Chalo Padyatra’ started a month ago, and the ‘Padyatris’ were detained and released again by Delhi Police.

“The Ladakh MP stated that the protesters completed over 700 km to reach the Delhi border.”

Delhi Police Detains Sonam Wangchuk And 20 Others For Protesting Outside Ladakh Bhawan

The Delhi Police detained Sonam Wangchuk, a well-known climate activist, and 20 others on Sunday, October 13, 2024. They were protesting outside the Ladakh Bhawan in the capital. They wanted Ladakh to be included in the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.

The police said the protesters didn’t have permission to gather there. This is because of Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). This section bans unauthorized gatherings. The detainees were taken to the Mandir Marg police station, but Wangchuk was not among them.

In a video message, Wangchuk spoke out against Section 163 in New Delhi. He called it a “blot on our democracy.” The group was detained at Delhi’s Singhu border on September 30. They were released on October 2 after their demands were not met.

The protesters wanted Ladakh to have its own statehood and a public service commission. They also wanted separate Lok Sabha constituencies for Leh and Kargil districts. They marched from Leh to Delhi to meet with leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“The permanent enforcement of Section 163 in New Delhi is a blot on our democracy. We will continue to fight for the rights of the people of Ladakh.”

The Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance are leading the movement. They want to hold a protest at Jantar Mantar. But, the authorities are still considering their application.

The detention of Sonam Wangchuk and others has caused outrage. Civil society groups see it as a crackdown on the right to peaceful assembly. The fight for Ladakh’s rights shows the need for a more inclusive democracy.

Conclusion

The detention of Sonam Wangchuk and over 20 other protesters outside the Ladakh Bhawan in New Delhi shows the ongoing fight for Ladakh’s rights. The Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance want Ladakh in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. Wangchuk’s hunger strike and the protesters’ demands for statehood and separate Lok Sabha seats show their desire for more autonomy.

The Delhi Police’s actions have been criticized by Wangchuk, who calls it a “blot on our democracy.” The outcome of this issue will greatly affect Ladakh’s future. Despite the challenges, the protesters, including Sonam Wangchuk, are committed to their peaceful fight for Ladakhi rights.

The sonam wangchuk protest and the push for ladakh inclusion in sixth schedule are key parts of the region’s political debate. The result of this struggle will shape Ladakh’s future and its autonomy. Ladakh has always sought to keep its unique identity and traditions.