Delhi CM denied meeting with detained Ladakhi activist Sonam Wangchuk
New Delhi: The Indian police stopped Delhi Chief Minister Atishi from meeting detained Ladakh-based climate activist Sonam Wangchuk at Bawana Police Station.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Sonam Wangchuk, a leading figure in Ladakhi climate activism, had been spearheading the ‘Delhi Chalo’ march, which began in Leh a month ago. On Monday night, Wangchuk and his fellow marchers were detained by police at the Delhi border. The march aims to advocate for Ladakh’s inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution and for the protection of local land and identity.
Today, Chief Minister Atishi arrived at Bawana police station to meet Wangchuk but was denied permission.
Speaking to reporters outside the police station, Atishi strongly condemned the Modi government, questioning why Wangchuk — who sought to express his views democratically — was arrested. She expressed her support for Wangchuk’s call for full statehood for Ladakh. Atishi further criticized the BJP for adopting an authoritarian stance that undermines the functioning of elected governments.
Earlier in the day, in a post on X, Atishi stated, “Sonam Wangchuk and our 150 Ladakhi brothers and sisters were coming to Delhi peacefully. The police have stopped them. They have been imprisoned in Bawana Police station since last night. Is it wrong for Ladakh to demand democratic rights?” Atishi termed Wangchuk’s detention as an act of dictatorship.
AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal said in an X post, “Sometimes farmers are stopped from entering Delhi, and other times it’s the people of Ladakh. Is Delhi someone’s personal property? Delhi is the nation’s capital, and everyone has the right to come here. This is completely wrong. What are they so afraid of from unarmed, peaceful people?”
