Sonam Wangchuk, Supporters Detained By Police At Delhi Border; Activist Asks For Help On Social Media

Sonam Wangchuk, a well-known engineer and climate activist, reported on Monday that he and 150 "padyatris" (foot marchers) were detained by police at the Delhi border. They were marching peacefully to bring attention to climate issues and other concerns for the people of Ladakh.

In a late-night post on social media, Mr Wangchuk, who began his "Chalo Delhi Climate March" from Leh on September 1, stated, "I AM BEING DETAINED... along with 150 padyatris at Delhi border, by a police force of hundreds, some say 1,000. Many elderly men and women in their 80s, and a few dozen Army veterans."

He expressed his worries about their uncertain situation: "Our fate is unknown. We were on a most peaceful march to Bapu's Samadhi... In the largest democracy in the world, the mother of democracy... Hai Ram!"

The "Delhi Chalo Climate March" was organised by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA). These groups have been advocating for several demands such as statehood for Ladakh and extending the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.

They also seek an early recruitment process with a Public Service Commission for Ladakh and separate Lok Sabha seats for Leh and Kargil districts. The protesters aimed to persuade the central government to restart discussions with Ladakh's representatives on these issues.

Earlier this year, talks between the Centre and Ladakh representatives ended abruptly in March without any resolution. Wangchuk had previously undertaken a 21-day hunger strike in Ladakh to support these demands.

The marchers hoped their presence in Delhi would prompt action from authorities regarding their four-point agenda. However, their detention has raised questions about freedom of expression in what is often called the world's largest democracy.