New Delhi — The detention of renowned climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and his supporters at the Singhu border by Delhi Police has sparked significant backlash, notably from Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha. Gandhi characterized the police’s actions as “unacceptable,” emphasizing the peaceful nature of Wangchuk and his supporters’ protest for environmental and constitutional rights.
Detention at the Singhu Border
Late Monday night, Sonam Wangchuk and approximately 150 supporters were detained by the police while marching to draw attention to their demands regarding Ladakh’s future. The police imposed Section 163 of the Bharat National Statement (BNS) at the Delhi borders, effectively limiting the ability of protesters to gather and demonstrate. This action has raised questions about the treatment of peaceful activists advocating for their rights.
In a post on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Rahul Gandhi expressed his disapproval, stating, “The detention of Sonam Wangchuk ji and hundreds of Ladakhis who were peacefully marching for environmental and constitutional rights is unacceptable.” He directly attributed responsibility for the detention to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, challenging the government’s approach to dissent.
Gandhi continued, “Why are elderly citizens being detained at Delhi’s border for standing up for Ladakh’s future? Modi ji, as with the farmers, this ‘Chakravyuh’ will be broken, and so will your arrogance. You will have to listen to Ladakh’s voice.”
Wangchuk’s Activism
Sonam Wangchuk, who is also an engineer and education reformer, has long been an advocate for the people of Ladakh. He and his supporters embarked on a foot march from Leh to New Delhi on September 1, aiming to urge the central government to engage in dialogue with Ladakh’s leadership. Their primary demands include the inclusion of Ladakh in the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, which would grant local populations greater law-making powers to safeguard their land and cultural heritage.
As Wangchuk reported on X, he highlighted the scale of police presence at the border, stating, “I AM BEING DETAINED… along with 150 padyatris at the 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 the most peaceful march to Bapu’s Samadhi… in the largest democracy in the world, the mother of democracy… Hai Ram!”
The Purpose of the March
Wangchuk’s march aims to remind the government of its promises made to the people of Ladakh five years ago, particularly in light of the political changes following the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019. This decision split the region into two Union Territories: Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. Since then, concerns have escalated regarding the protection of Ladakh’s fragile ecology and the rights of its indigenous people.
Before his recent detention, Wangchuk completed a nine-day fast in Leh to draw attention to the urgent need for ecological protection and sustainable development in the region. His advocacy seeks not only political recognition for Ladakh but also a commitment to protecting its unique environment.
Call for Government Dialogue
Wangchuk and his supporters continue to demand a resumption of dialogue between the central government and Ladakhi leaders. Their goals include achieving statehood, securing inclusion in the Sixth Schedule, and implementing stronger ecological protections to preserve the region’s environment and cultural identity.
As the protests continue, the attention garnered by Wangchuk’s detention raises critical questions about the state of civil rights in India, particularly concerning peaceful protests and the treatment of activists. Many are calling for the government to engage constructively with local voices and to recognize the importance of sustainable development in Ladakh.
The detention of Sonam Wangchuk and his supporters serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by activists advocating for environmental and constitutional rights. As the situation develops, the demand for dialogue and recognition of the unique needs of Ladakh continues to resonate among its residents and supporters across the country. With leaders like Rahul Gandhi standing in solidarity with Wangchuk, the call for justice and rights for Ladakh remains strong and unyielding.