Ladakh Activist Sonam Wangchuk Released, Set for Meeting with PM Modi or President

Sonam Wangchuk, a Ladakh climate activist, was released after 36 hours in detention and is expected to meet with senior government officials, including the Prime Minister or President. Wangchuk and fellow protesters were detained while advocating for statehood and constitutional protections for Ladakh. Political leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, criticized the police action as unacceptable.

Ladakh climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has been released after nearly 36 hours of detention, expressing optimism about securing a meeting with either the Prime Minister or the President to discuss crucial environmental issues. Wangchuk, along with 150 fellow protesters, was apprehended by Delhi Police on Monday while attempting to enter the capital during their ‘Delhi Chalo Padyatra’, which aims to raise awareness about Ladakh’s environmental concerns and push for constitutional protections.

Despite the challenges faced during detention, Wangchuk noted that their message of environmental conservation resonated with a wider audience. “We faced some difficulties upon arriving in Delhi due to the detention, but everything happens for a reason, and we are glad that our message reached more people,” he stated.

The activists submitted a memorandum to the government advocating for constitutional protections for Ladakh to ensure the safeguarding of the Himalayas. Their four-point agenda includes demands for statehood, inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, the establishment of a dedicated public service commission, and separate Lok Sabha seats for Leh and Kargil.

Wangchuk emphasized the importance of the Sixth Schedule, which offers protections to tribal and local populations, and expressed hope for a meeting with senior government officials to discuss the restoration of democracy and statehood for Ladakh.

The protest drew attention from political leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, who criticized the detention of Wangchuk and other peaceful protesters, labeling the police action as “unacceptable.” He called for the government to heed the voices of the Ladakhi people and questioned the detention of elderly citizens engaged in the march.

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As Wangchuk looks forward to discussions with India’s top leadership, the ongoing dialogue on Ladakh’s future remains a pressing issue.