Ladakh Activist Sonam Wangchuk Detained at Delhi’s Singhu Border
Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, along with around 120 supporters from Ladakh, was detained by Delhi Police at the Singhu border while marching towards the capital to demand Sixth Schedule status for the region. The group was intercepted and taken to Alipur and other nearby police stations, following police instructions to turn back due to prohibitory orders in place.
Detention at Delhi-Haryana Border
The activists, led by Wangchuk, were halted at the Delhi-Haryana border by a heavy police presence and detained when they refused to end their march. The group had planned to stay at the border for the night before entering Delhi. While men in the group were detained, women participants were not taken into custody.
Prohibitory Orders in Effect
Police sources cited prohibitory orders against gatherings of more than five people in northern and central Delhi as the reason for the detentions. The detained supporters were held temporarily at Alipur Police Station and other nearby stations and are expected to be released soon.
Wangchuk’s Message Before Detention
Before his detention, Wangchuk shared a video on social media, highlighting the situation at the Singhu border, where their buses were stopped by a large deployment of police personnel. He mentioned that the group initially thought they were being escorted, but it soon became evident that they were being detained.
Heavy Security Deployed in Delhi
Wangchuk noted the presence of approximately 1,000 police officers at the border, with additional forces stationed at Ladakh Bhawan in Delhi and other locations where Ladakhi students reside. “It appears they don’t want this padyatra to take place,” Wangchuk commented.
The protest march aimed to draw attention to the demand for Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh, which would grant the region greater autonomy and protection of its cultural identity. The detentions have sparked reactions from Ladakh residents and supporters, with calls for the peaceful release of the activists.
