OCCUPIED JAMMU & KASHMIR : Hundreds of residents in Leh have taken to the streets in a passionate protest against the detention of climate activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk by Delhi Police.
Known for his innovative approaches to education and sustainable development, Wangchuk’s arrest has ignited widespread anger, with demonstrators chanting “Delhi Police, shame shame!” to express their outrage.
Wangchuk, along with 125 fellow protesters from Ladakh, was detained on Monday at the Singhu border as they attempted to bring their message to the national capital. This action took place amid prohibitory orders in Delhi, which are set to remain in effect until October 6.
The protest was part of Wangchuk’s ‘Delhi Chalo Padyatra,’ which aimed to culminate at Rajghat on October 2 in honor of Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary. Launched on September 1, the march sought to urge the Indian government to resume dialogues with Ladakh’s leadership on critical issues.
At the core of the protesters’ demands is a four-point agenda that calls for:
- Statehood for Ladakh,
- Inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution,
- The establishment of a dedicated public service commission with a fast-tracked recruitment process, and
- Separate Lok Sabha seats for Leh and Kargil.
The movement highlights the pressing need for political recognition and representation for Ladakh, emphasizing the region’s desire for self-determination and sustainable development. As the protests continue, the commitment of Ladakh’s residents to their cause remains unwavering
