Ladakh environmental advocate Sonam Wangchuk, who was detained for 36 hours in Delhi, confirmed that he expects to meet with either Prime Minister Narendra Modi or the President soon to discuss his concerns.
Wangchuk, along with 150 supporters from Ladakh, was detained at the Singhu border by Delhi Police on Monday while attempting to enter the capital. The detention occurred under restrictions imposed in the city until October 6.
Reflecting on the situation, Wangchuk expressed, “While the detention was challenging, it allowed us to spread awareness about the importance of environmental conservation. We have submitted a memorandum urging the government to provide constitutional protections for Ladakh to safeguard the Himalayas.”
The climate activist’s journey, titled the ‘Delhi Chalo Padyatra,’ began on September 1, aiming to pressure the central government to engage with Ladakh’s leadership. Their demands include statehood, inclusion under the Constitution’s Sixth Schedule, a public service commission, and separate parliamentary representation for Leh and Kargil.
Wangchuk emphasized the significance of the Sixth Schedule, which would grant Ladakh’s tribal population greater control over local governance. He added, “The home ministry has assured me of a meeting with the Prime Minister, President, or home minister in the near future. Our mission is to restore democracy in Ladakh through statehood and implement constitutional safeguards.”
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticized the detention, calling it “unacceptable.” He highlighted that Wangchuk and other peaceful protesters were advocating for Ladakh’s environmental and constitutional rights, questioning why elderly citizens were being held at the Delhi border.
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