Sonam Wangchuk and activists were detained by Delhi police while ‘Delhi Chalo’ padayatra
The Delhi Police detained around 120 climate activists, including Ladakhi climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, upon their arrival at the city border during the "Delhi Chalo" Padyatra.
The Delhi Police detained around 120 climate activists, including Ladakhi climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, upon their arrival at the city border during the “Delhi Chalo” Padyatra. The activists were detained under section163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) at Delhi borders.
Wangchuk shared news of his detention on the social media platform X, stating, “I am being detained along with 150 padyatris at the Delhi border by a police force of hundreds, possibly 1,000. Among us are elderly men and women in their 80s, along with several Army veterans. Our fate remains uncertain. We were peacefully marching to Bapu’s Samadhi… in the world’s largest democracy, the mother of democracy… Hai Ram!”
The marchers, representing the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), were fighting for Ladakh’s inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, which ensures special protections for tribal communities. Determined to stay overnight at the city border, they faced police detention and were taken to Alipur Police Station and nearby stations. Their cause was met with resistance, but their spirit remained unbroken.
Wangchuk suggests that the authorities are determined to block the padyatra, pointing to the heavy security surrounding their peaceful protest. He hinted at the growing resistance to their movement, despite its non-violent nature.
Activist Sonam Wangchuk and his group began their padyatra on September 1 from Leh, focusing to reach Delhi and bring light to their demands. The march also seeks to remind the government of promises made five years ago that still remain unfulfilled.
Earlier, Wangchuk attempted to highlight the issue through a nine-day fast in Leh, urging the government to protect Ladakh’s ecology and mountains. He has consistently demanded special rights for Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
In anticipation of potential protests, the Delhi Police enforced prohibitory orders across North and Central Delhi, restricting gatherings of five or more people for six days. The directive, issued by the Delhi Police Headquarters, cited concerns over maintaining law and order as the reason for the restrictions. Signed by Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora, the order covers all areas in New Delhi, North, and Central districts, along with regions bordering neighbouring states.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi condemned the detention of the activists calling it Unacceptable. Wavering his support to Sonam Wangchuk and other climate activist Rahul wrote, “The detention of Sonam Wangchuk ji and hundreds of Ladakhis who were peacefully marching for environmental and constitutional rights is unacceptable.”
He further added,Why are elderly citizens being detained at Delhi’s border For standing up for Ladakh’s Future? He also criticised PM Modi for his ignorance of the issue.
Along with Rahul Gandhi, AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal also criticised the government for detaining climate activists. He stated, “Sometimes they stop farmers from entering Delhi, sometimes the people of Ladakh. Is Delhi someone’s personal property? Delhi is the nation’s capital. Everyone has the right to come to Delhi. This is absolutely wrong. What are they so afraid of from unarmed, peaceful people?”
With security forces still deployed and prohibitory orders in place, it remains uncertain if the protesters can push forward with their cause without further clashes with authorities.
The march for Ladakh’s rights has now emerged as a key moment in the larger fight for autonomy and environmental preservation, highlighting the pressing challenges faced by the region and its people.
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