Sonam Wangchuk Released from Detention After Fasting for Ladakh's Ecological Rights

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and others from Ladakh paid their respects to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat on Wednesday evening. They later announced their release from police custody and the conclusion of their hunger strike. The group submitted a memorandum to the government, outlining their demands, and received assurance of a meeting with senior leaders soon, according to Wangchuk.

The group is advocating for Ladakh's protection under constitutional provisions, specifically the Sixth Schedule, which allows locals to manage resources. "We have given a memorandum to the government to protect Ladakh under such constitutional provisions so that its ecology can be preserved, in this case it is the Sixth Schedule, which gives locals the right to govern and manage the resources," Wangchuk stated after visiting Gandhi's memorial.

Demands for Ladakh's Future

Wangchuk emphasised empowering locals in the Himalayas for effective preservation. He mentioned plans to meet with top officials like the prime minister, president, or home minister soon. "In the coming days, we will meet the prime minister, president or home minister, this is the assurance we have been given by the home ministry," he said.

The group seeks a democratic framework for Ladakh, including inclusion under the Sixth Schedule. They were promised a meeting with top leadership soon. "We have demanded a democratic set-up for Ladakh, and the Sixth Schedule is also a part of it. We have been assured that we will meet top leadership, and the date of meeting will be confirmed in a couple of days," Wangchuk added.

Police Detention and Release

A senior police officer confirmed Wangchuk and other marchers were released in the evening. They agreed not to gather or hold any marches due to Section 163 being enforced in central Delhi. "They were allowed to go after an assurance from them of not gathering or holding any yatra as Section 163 is imposed in central parts of the national capital," said the officer.

Wangchuk was held at Bawana police station while others were at different stations near Delhi-Haryana border. They were escorted by police to Rajghat around 9:30 pm before being released. Police sources indicated Wangchuk might remain in Delhi for further discussions with government officials.

Resumption of Talks

Wangchuk mentioned they were assured that talks with Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance representatives would resume within 15 days. He led the Delhi Chalo Padyatra from Leh a month ago. Approximately 170 people from Ladakh marched to Delhi demanding safeguards under the Sixth Schedule for their Union Territory.

The march was organised by Leh Apex Body (LAB) alongside Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA). They have been advocating for statehood for Ladakh over four years. Their demands include inclusion under the Sixth Schedule, early recruitment processes, a public service commission for Ladakh, and separate Lok Sabha seats for Leh and Kargil districts.

Delhi Police detained them citing Section 163 enforcement in New Delhi districts and bordering police jurisdictions with other states. This section was previously known as Section 144 of CrPC under Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita.