Delhi Police detained multiple individuals outside Ladakh Bhawan where activist Sonam Wangchuk is on an indefinite hunger strike since October 6, urging for Ladakh to be included in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. One protester stated that the detainees have been brought to the Mandir Marg police station.
Police had previously stated that Sonam Wangchuk was one of the individuals detained, however, the New Delhi DCP clarified later that the climate activist was not one of the detainees. We have taken into custody a few students who were not from Ladhak Bhawan. Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) Devesh Mahla stated that Sonam Wangchuk is not included in the group.
Meanwhile, Sonam Wangchuk expressed in a video that Delhi Police arrested many of their followers and wondered why Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) that restricts unauthorized assemblies is always in effect in New Delhi. A large crowd gathered today to witness a peaceful demonstration. It is unfortunate that Delhi Police detained them. Sonam Wangchuk expressed sadness over the fact that a silent protest couldn’t be held in the world’s biggest democracy.
We have been informed that Section 163 is now in effect… It is unfortunate that the birthplace of democracy has this restriction in place all year round. Sonam Wangchuk explained that this section is typically implemented temporarily in situations where there is a risk of law and order being disturbed. “This is a stain on our democracy, and the courts should also acknowledge it.” He inquired about how such sections could be permanently enforced. The climate activist who won the Ramon Magsaysay award also posted videos of people being detained on Instagram.
A senior police officer mentioned that the protesters were not allowed to gather at Ladakh Bhawan due to Section 163 of BNSS, adding that they had requested to demonstrate at Jantar Mantar. They are currently being reviewed for approval. Protesting is prohibited at any location besides this one. Several individuals have been arrested, but they will be let go in the near future. Sonam Wangchuk and his followers, who traveled from Leh to Delhi on foot, were arrested by Delhi Police at Singhu border on September 30 but were later freed on October 2.
The group is requesting a meeting with the highest authorities, such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in order to push for their requests. The Constitution’s Sixth Schedule contains rules for governing tribal regions in northeastern India’s Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram states. It also creates self-governing councils with legislative, judicial, executive, and financial authority to govern these regions autonomously. The Leh Apex Body, in coordination with the Kargil Democratic Alliance, has led a protest for four years for Ladakh’s statehood, inclusion in the Sixth Schedule, a public service commission, and separate Lok Sabha seats for Leh and Kargil.