Climate and education activist Sonam Wangchuk and 20 others were detained by Delhi Police during a protest outside the Ladakh Bhawan on October 13, 2024.
The group was seeking political changes such as Ladakh’s inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, which would grant the region greater autonomy similar to tribal areas in Northeastern India.
Mr. Wangchuk, known for his innovative contributions to education and environmental sustainability in Ladakh, marched with his supporters from Leh to Delhi to press for these demands. Their call for statehood, the establishment of a separate public service commission for Ladakh, and distinct Lok Sabha seats for Leh and Kargil districts has captured national attention, highlighting the region’s quest for identity and governance within the Indian federal structure.
The protest took a turn when, despite their commitment to a silent fast, the police intervened. ‘We intended to hold a peaceful and silent protest, expressing our demands through our presence rather than words,’ Mr. Wangchuk stated before his detention.
The Delhi Police’s action came after the group was denied permission to protest at the site, leading to their temporary detention at Mandir Marg police station.
Mr. Wangchuk, who had earlier embarked on an indefinite hunger strike on October 6 to amplify his demands, has not only brought his demands to the forefront of national discourse but also stirred a debate on freedom of expression and protest in the country’s capital.
Why demand for inclusion in the Sixth Schedule
According to Mr. Wangchuk and his supporters, the demand for Ladakh’s inclusion in the Sixth Schedule stems from concerns over land rights, cultural preservation, and local governance.
The protesters argue that such constitutional recognition would empower them to better manage local resources and preserve their unique cultural heritage against external influences.