Sonam Wangchuk and Hundreds of Ladakhis Detained in Delhi While Protesting for Environmental and Constitutional Rights

In a significant demonstration for autonomy and environmental rights, Sonam Wangchuk, a prominent Ladakh-based activist, along with over 100 protestors, was detained near Delhi on the evening of September 30. Their peaceful march aimed to highlight demands for greater administrative autonomy for Ladakh, culminating at Bapu’s Samadhi, the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi. Wangchuk took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his dismay, stating, “We were on a most peaceful march to Bapu’s Samadhi in the largest democracy in the world, the mother of democracy… Hai Ram!”

The situation escalated when the Delhi police prevented Delhi Chief Minister Atishi from meeting the protestors on Tuesday. Prominent political figures, including Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, condemned the police action. Gandhi voiced his concerns on social media, stating, “The detention of Sonam Wangchuk ji and hundreds of Ladakhis peacefully marching for environmental and constitutional rights is unacceptable.”

Concerns Over Restrictions and Autonomy

Wangchuk, in a video shared on his X account, revealed that the Delhi Police had imposed restrictions akin to Section 144, prohibiting gatherings of more than five people between September 30 and October 6. He remarked, “It seems as if they do not want the march to happen, although it was completely peaceful.”

The march, which started in September, was initiated to urge the Central government to discuss demands for greater autonomy in Ladakh’s governance. Wangchuk, who is not only an activist but also an engineer and sustainable product innovator, gained international recognition when he received the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2018 for his impactful work in improving educational opportunities for Ladakhi youth.

Historical Context of the Movement

The push for autonomy is not new; Wangchuk has been advocating for the inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, which provides for autonomous administrative regions through Autonomous District Councils (ADCs). In 2019, Wangchuk wrote to then Union Tribal Affairs Minister Arjun Munda, seeking Scheduled Area status for Ladakh. While Munda acknowledged the request, subsequent discussions with Ladakhi leaders have been absent.

In 2019, student-led protests emerged, supported by former MP Thupstan Chhewang, who helped form the Leh Apex Body (ABL), and organizations in Kargil established the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) to push for these demands. Wangchuk has reiterated that protections under the Sixth Schedule were part of an election promise made by the BJP in 2019, emphasizing that the Government of India must uphold its commitments.

The Significance of the Sixth Schedule

The Sixth Schedule under Article 244 of the Indian Constitution allows for the establishment of Autonomous District Councils, which can enact laws concerning various local matters, including land, forest, water, agriculture, and local policing. Currently, the Northeast region of India hosts 10 ADCs across four states. Wangchuk has pointed out that the people of Ladakh are seeking decentralization of power due to concerns that “lower levels of bureaucracy” might be swayed by industrial interests and business houses that favor extensive mining activities across Ladakh’s valleys.

As the situation develops, the march led by Wangchuk and his supporters continues to draw attention to the pressing need for greater autonomy and environmental protections in Ladakh, reflecting a broader struggle for rights and recognition in the region.