Sonam Wangchuk Detained By Delhi Border, Opposition Slams Move; PIL Filed in High Court

New Delhi: Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and fellow protesters, detained by Delhi Police while marching to the capital to demand Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh, have launched an indefinite fast at the police stations where they are being held. The march, dubbed the ‘Delhi Chalo Padyatra,’ began on September 1 from Leh and was supported by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA).

These groups have been advocating for Ladakh’s statehood, inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, the establishment of a public service commission, and separate Lok Sabha seats for Leh and Kargil. As Wangchuk’s convoy approached Delhi on September 30, they were stopped and detained, a move Opposition leaders have criticised as undemocratic.

Wangchuk shared visuals from the Delhi border on social media before being detained, stating, “As we approach Delhi, it seems we are not being escorted but detained.” In response to the approaching protesters, Delhi Police imposed a ban on gatherings of five or more people in central Delhi, citing law and order concerns. The order, issued by Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora, invoked Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, prohibiting protests for six days.

Opposition leaders condemned the government’s actions. Rahul Gandhi, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), called the detentions unacceptable, stating, “The detention of Sonam Wangchuk ji and Ladakhi protesters peacefully marching for environmental and constitutional rights is unacceptable.” He criticised the Modi government for detaining elderly citizens at the Delhi border and vowed that Ladakh’s voice would be heard.

AAP leader Manish Sisodia questioned the BJP’s priorities, accusing them of protecting criminals while treating peaceful protesters as threats. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also condemned the government’s actions, accusing it of arrogance and undemocratic behaviour. Kharge highlighted the public support for Wangchuk’s demands and criticised the government’s approach to Ladakh’s ecologically sensitive areas. Congress general secretary K C Venugopal linked the incident to Gandhi Jayanti, saying the government is trying to suppress anyone speaking up for their rights.

In a related development, a public interest litigation (PIL) was filed in the Delhi High Court challenging the detention of Wangchuk and others. The court has agreed to hear the case on October 3, if the petition is in order by 3:30 pm.

The LAB and KDA have been demanding statehood for Ladakh, inclusion under the Sixth Schedule, a public service commission, and separate Lok Sabha seats for Leh and Kargil for the past four years.