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Sonam Wangchuk, a prominent climate activist and education reformer from Ladakh, was detained for nearly 24 hours before being released on Wednesday. Wangchuk, along with 173 other Ladakhis, had embarked on a peaceful march to Delhi, the 'Delhi Chalo Padyatra,' demanding the inclusion of Ladakh in the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. This inclusion would grant special protection and autonomy to tribal regions, a key concern for the people of Ladakh. The group's journey, however, was met with resistance from the Delhi Police, who initially detained them at the Singhu border on Monday night, citing violation of prohibitory orders.
Despite their initial release, the Ladakhis, led by Wangchuk, remained determined to continue their march towards the heart of Delhi. This unwavering commitment forced the police to detain them once again, this time taking them to Rajghat on buses. The detainees, who had been housed in police stations in Bawana, Narela, and Kanjhawala, had staged an indefinite hunger strike in protest against their detention. Wangchuk's journey from Leh on September 1st highlighted the growing concern for the protection of tribal regions in Ladakh, as the lack of Sixth Schedule status leaves them vulnerable to exploitation and neglect.
The incident sheds light on the ongoing struggle for recognition and autonomy faced by tribal communities in India. Wangchuk's peaceful march, undertaken despite the challenges posed by the police, symbolizes the resilience and determination of those seeking a voice for their rights. It serves as a reminder that while democracy often promises equality and representation, the reality for many marginalized communities remains a long fight for basic rights and recognition.
Source: Ladakh climate activist Sonam Wangchuk released from detention