Complete bandh in Ladakh against Sonam Wangchuk’s detention
Ladakh came to a standstill today with a complete bandh being observed to protest the detention of renowned climate activist and innovator, Sonam Wangchuk. Wangchuk was on his way to New Delhi to advocate for the Sixth Schedule for Ladakh when he was detained by the Delhi Police.
The detention has sparked widespread anger across the region, with local leaders condemning the police action. Protest demonstration in both districts of Leh and Kargil were also witnessed. The bandh call was issued by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), who have been demanding Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh for nearly three years. This status would provide greater autonomy and protection to the region’s population.
Most of the shops and other business establishments remained shut due to the bandh call given on Tuesday. People also gathered in large number at NDS Stadium in Leh to express their support for Wangchuk. Chhering Dorje Lakrook, who is the president of Ladakh Buddhist Association, said the Union Territory was united against the injustice meted out to the peaceful protesters going to Delhi to raise a genuine issue.
Meanwhile, Sajjad Kargili, a social activist from Kargil, who was also detained in Delhi, in a statement said, “We were detained by the Delhi police last night and taken to Arya Samaj Mandir, Narela, where we have now decided to go on hunger strike. I urge the government not to push the people of Ladakh to the wall. We are frontline warriors, not traitors. We are simply demanding the rights you have taken from us — our statehood, safeguards, and employment. Now, even our right to protest is being stripped away. It is deeply unfortunate that while people like Ram Rahim are granted parole, the peaceful people of Ladakh are denied entry into Delhi.”
In a press statement, the KDA condemned the detention of the activists. “This detention is a blatant violation of our fundamental rights to freedom of expression and assembly. It is an affront not only to democratic principles but also to the dignity of the people of Ladakh. The actions of the ruling dispensation and the Delhi Police clearly reflect their disregard for the voices of our community and we must stand united in protest against such inhumane behaviour,” the statement read.
Fundamental right to protest snatched: Mufti
Srinagar: PDP president Mehbooba Mufti Tuesday hit out at the Centre over the detention of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and several other Ladakhis, saying even the fundamental right to protest has been “snatched” from the people. Wangchuk and around 120 others on a march to Delhi demanding Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh were detained at the Singhu border on Monday night. “Even the very fundamental right to protest has been snatched from us for raising our voice against the onslaught on our identity & resources. We stand in solidarity with the people of Ladakh,” Mehbooba said in a post on X.
