New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Atishi extended her support to Ladakh activist Sonam Wangchuk, who was detained along with 150 fellow Ladakhis during their peaceful “Chalo Delhi Climate March.” Atishi announced that she will visit Bawana Police Station at 1 pm today to meet Wangchuk and his group, who have been held since Monday night for allegedly violating prohibitory orders.
Sonam Wangchuk’s Detention During Peaceful March
Wangchuk, a well-known education reformer, along with his group of marchers, was detained at the Delhi border while peacefully protesting for Ladakh’s inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. The march, which began in Leh on September 1, aimed to draw attention to Ladakh’s demands for better protection of land and cultural rights.
Atishi’s Show of Support for Wangchuk
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Atishi expressed solidarity with Wangchuk and his group, writing, “Sonam Wangchuk and our 150 Ladakhi brothers and sisters were coming to Delhi peacefully. The police have stopped them. They have been imprisoned in Bawana police station since last night.”
Wangchuk’s Call for Dialogue
Wangchuk had embarked on the march to urge the central government to resume dialogue with Ladakh’s leadership about their demands, particularly for the region to be included under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. This would grant Ladakh greater autonomy and legislative powers to protect its land and cultural identity.
Sixth Schedule and Ladakh’s Demand
Ladakh seeks inclusion under the Sixth Schedule, which applies to certain northeastern states such as Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram. This constitutional provision allows for autonomous councils with powers to self-govern, thus safeguarding local traditions, culture, and land rights.
Wangchuk’s Message from Detention
In an emotional post on X, Wangchuk shared details about their detention: “Am being detained… along with 150 padyatris at Delhi Border, by a police force of 100s, some say 1,000… We were on a most peaceful march to Bapu’s Samadhi… in the largest democracy in the world, the mother of democracy…”
