Ladakh shuts down in protest against arrest of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, others
Leh: A complete shutdown was observed across Ladakh today in response to the arrest of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, Indian parliament member Mohammad Hanifa Jan, and approximately 120 others who were detained at the Delhi border while marching to the Indian capital.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the shutdown, affecting both Kargil and Leh districts, was called by the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) and the Leh Apex Body (LAB). This strike significantly disrupted daily life and movement across the region.
Sonam Wangchuk, a leading figure in Ladakhi climate activism, had been spearheading the ‘Delhi Chalo Padyatra,’ which began in Leh a month ago. On Monday night, Wangchuk and his fellow marchers were detained by police at the Delhi border. Alongside Wangchuk and Ladakh MP Mohammad Hanifa, prominent leaders from Ladakh, such as KDA Co-Chairman Asgar Ali Karbalai and Chief Executive Councillor of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Kargil, Mohammad Jaffar Akhone were among those detained.
The march was organized by the LAB, which, along with the KDA, has been advocating for the rights of Ladakhis for the past four years. Their demands include statehood for Ladakh, inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, an expedited recruitment process and the establishment of a public service commission for the region, and separate Lok Sabha seats for Leh and Kargil districts.
In a press release, the KDA condemned the detentions, stating, “This unjust detention of our volunteers and leaders is a blatant violation of our fundamental rights to freedom of expression and assembly. It undermines democratic principles and disrespects the dignity of the people of Ladakh. The actions of the ruling government and Delhi Police demonstrate a troubling disregard for our community’s voice. We must unite in protest against such inhumane behavior.”
The All Kargil Students Association Delhi (AKSAD) also voiced strong condemnation of the detentions. “As students of Ladakh, we are deeply disheartened by the government’s refusal to permit the peaceful Padyatris (foot marchers), who have been marching for over a month, to enter Delhi. This march represents our advocacy for the longstanding Four-Point demands of the Ladakhi people,” stated AKSAD. They emphasized that the detention of the marchers, including key leaders, has caused significant distress within the Ladakhi community and urged the Indian government to address the concerns of the Ladakhi people and fulfill its commitments to the region.
