Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticized the detention of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and his supporters at the Singhu border by Delhi Police, calling the move “unacceptable.” Wangchuk and around 120 protesters from Ladakh were marching to Delhi, demanding sixth schedule status for the Union Territory.
A police official told PTI that the group intended to stay overnight at the border, but due to prohibitory orders in the capital, they were asked to leave. When they refused, police detained the group, including Wangchuk, and took them to police stations near the Delhi-Haryana border.
Reacting to the incident on X (formerly Twitter), Gandhi took aim at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating, “Modi ji, like with the farmers, this ‘Chakravyuh’ will be broken, and so will your arrogance. You will have to listen to Ladakh’s voice.” He also questioned the detention of elderly citizens, calling it “unacceptable” and asked why peaceful protestors were being targeted for standing up for Ladakh’s future.
According to Delhi Police, the detentions were made under prohibitory orders that ban gatherings of more than five people in certain areas of the capital, citing concerns over law and order. Women involved in the march were not detained. The police have said the detained protesters will be released after a short period.
Wangchuk, in an Instagram post before his detention, shared footage of the situation, noting that their buses were being stopped and that they realized they were being detained rather than escorted into the city. He also mentioned the heavy police presence at the Delhi border and at Ladakh Bhawan in the capital.
The march, dubbed the ‘Delhi Chalo Padyatra,’ was organized by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), both of which have been advocating for statehood, constitutional protections under the sixth schedule, recruitment processes, and separate Lok Sabha seats for Leh and Kargil.
Delhi Police’s prohibitory orders will remain in effect until October 5, restricting protests and gatherings in key areas of the city.