Supporters of climate activist Wangchuk detained in Delhi

The Delhi Police on Sunday detained members of the All-India Students Association (AISA) who were protesting outside Ladakh Bhawan in support of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk.

Wangchuk is seeking a meeting with the top leadership regarding the demand for Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh, among other concerns.

On October 5, Wangchuk began an indefinite fast to draw attention to the region’s demands for statehood and inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.

He and his supporters are advocating for constitutional safeguards to empower Ladakh’s local population to protect their land and cultural identity. This demand has the backing of both the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA).

Earlier, on October 9, the Delhi High Court issued a notice seeking responses from the Delhi Police, the Government of NCT Delhi and other respondents on a plea filed by the Leh Apex Body.

The plea sought permission for Wangchuk and others to hold a peaceful protest or hunger strike (anshan) at Jantar Mantar from October 8 to 23.

A Bench comprising Justice Prathiba M Singh and Justice Amit Sharma had directed the parties to submit their replies by October 16 with a detailed hearing scheduled for October 22.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Delhi Police, opposed the plea, questioning the urgency of the protest.

The Leh Apex Body has argued that peaceful assembly and free speech are fundamental rights under Articles 19(1)(a) and 19(1)(b) of the Constitution. It requested permission for Wangchuk and other ‘padyatris’ to hold a peaceful protest at Jantar Mantar or another suitable location.