Sonam Wangchuk Released After Detention: Activist to Meet PM or President Soon
Ladakh’s well-known climate activist, Sonam Wangchuk, has been released after being held for nearly 36 hours. He announced on Wednesday that despite the challenges he faced during his time in detention, he remains hopeful. The Union Home Ministry has assured him that a meeting with either Prime Minister Narendra Modi or the President is imminent to discuss the issues concerning Ladakh and its environmental preservation.
Wangchuk, along with 150 fellow activists from Ladakh, was detained by the Delhi Police at the Singhu border on Monday. The group was making their way into the capital as part of their ongoing environmental and political campaign. Their march, which had gained significant attention, culminated in the detention due to the imposition of prohibitory orders in the capital city, in place until October 6.
As the ‘Delhi Chalo Padyatra’ led by Wangchuk and his supporters neared Delhi’s border, law enforcement intervened. Wangchuk later reflected on the situation, expressing gratitude that, despite the obstacles, their message about protecting Ladakh and the Himalayas had reached a broader audience. The activist emphasized that their mission is rooted in environmental conservation and urged the government to take immediate steps to ensure constitutional safeguards for Ladakh.
The march, which began on September 1, was organized to prompt the central government to engage in discussions with Ladakh’s leadership. At the core of their demands is a four-point agenda, which includes the demand for statehood for Ladakh. In addition, they are pushing for Ladakh’s inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, a faster recruitment process through a dedicated public service commission, and the allocation of separate Lok Sabha seats for the regions of Leh and Kargil.
Wangchuk highlighted the importance of the Sixth Schedule in safeguarding Ladakh’s tribal communities. This provision grants greater autonomy to tribal areas, allowing for more local control over governance and management. He emphasized that Ladakh’s unique cultural and environmental landscape requires such constitutional protection to preserve both its people and the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.
Following his release, Wangchuk expressed optimism about the future, revealing that the Home Ministry had assured him of a high-level meeting. He is hopeful about meeting either the Prime Minister, the President, or the Home Minister in the near future to discuss the urgent needs of Ladakh. He reiterated his call for restoring democracy through statehood and the implementation of the Sixth Schedule.
The police action against the peaceful protest drew widespread criticism. Rahul Gandhi, leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, took to social media to condemn the detention of Wangchuk and other protesters. He likened the current situation to the farmers’ protests, where peaceful demonstrators were met with resistance from the government. Gandhi expressed his belief that, like with the farmers, this “Chakravyuh” (an ancient battle formation often associated with entrapment) would eventually break, and the government would be compelled to listen to Ladakh’s concerns.
Gandhi further criticized the treatment of elderly protesters, calling the detention of older citizens “unacceptable.” He questioned why people peacefully marching for their rights and the future of Ladakh were met with such force at Delhi’s border.
The march has drawn attention to the environmental and political issues facing Ladakh, a region known for its stunning landscapes and delicate ecosystems. The protesters, led by Wangchuk, are advocating for long-term solutions that not only protect the environment but also provide Ladakh with greater political autonomy and representation.
Wangchuk’s activism has consistently focused on raising awareness about the environmental threats to Ladakh, particularly in light of climate change. The region is especially vulnerable due to its high-altitude location and fragile ecosystems. Wangchuk and his supporters believe that constitutional protections, such as the implementation of the Sixth Schedule, are necessary to ensure the long-term sustainability of the region and the well-being of its people.
As the situation develops, the Ladakh movement continues to gain momentum, with the hope that the upcoming meeting between Wangchuk and India’s top leadership will result in meaningful action to address the concerns of the region.