'I am Being Detained': Ladakh Based Climate Activist Sonam Wangchuk Approaches Delhi HC Seeking Release By Delhi Police
Sonam Wangchuk, an engineer who later became an education reformer, is a member of the Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL). SECMOL was established in 1988 by a group of young Ladakhis to reform the educational system in Ladakh.
Ladakh-based climate activist Sonam Wangchuk filed a petition before the Delhi High Court, seeking release by Delhi Police. His peaceful climate walk was halted by the Police on September 30, following prohibitory orders, which remained in force until October 6.
On the evening of September 30, Sonam Wangchuk posted on X, stating, "I AM BEING DETAINED... along with 150 padyatris at Delhi Border, by a police force of 100s, some say 1,000. Many elderly men & women in their 80s and a few dozen Army veterans... Our fate is unknown. We were on a most peaceful march to Bapu’s Samadhi... in the largest democracy in the world, the mother of democracy."
A Bench, comprising Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, informed Wangchuk's counsel that the proceedings were adjourned due to the necessity of a full bench meeting. It was mentioned that the case could be heard on October 3.
Wangchuk's counsel argued that they needed to reach Delhi by October 2, as they planned to walk to Gandhi's memorial. Scheduling the hearing for October 3, they contended, would render the petition infructuous.
Mr. Wangchuk had commenced this march on September 1 from Leh to Delhi, intending to conclude it at Raj Ghat, Mahatma Gandhi's memorial, on October 2. The objective of the march was to demand the inclusion of Ladakh under Schedule 6 of the Constitution.
The Sixth Schedule of the Constitution provides special protections and autonomy to tribal areas, helping to preserve their cultural practices and manage resources. Following the revocation of Article 370, Jammu & Kashmir was bifurcated, and Ladakh was designated a Union Territory. Wangchuk has since demanded concrete actions to protect Ladakh’s environment and called for its statehood, seeking inclusion in the Sixth Schedule.
In support of these demands, Wangchuk observed a five-day 'climate fast' at the Himalayan Institute of Alternative Ladakh (HIAL) in Leh from January 26-30, concluding with a public rally on January 31. Hundreds of locals joined the event, where Wangchuk voiced his dissatisfaction with Ladakh’s current Union Territory status and governance by a Lieutenant Governor. He expressed disappointment that despite the expectation of greater autonomy, decisions were still being made by a single authority.
In March, Wangchuk undertook a 21-day fast in Leh, consuming only water and salt, to continue advocating for the protection of Ladakh’s fragile ecosystem and Indigenous culture. On September 1, accompanied by over 100 supporters, he began the foot march to Delhi, emphasizing the urgent need to address the severe impacts of climate change in Ladakh and the broader Himalayan region.
[Inputs: Zee News]