Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, along with 150 padyatris, has been detained at the Delhi border while en route to Mahatma Gandhi’s Samadhi as part of a peaceful climate march. The activist shared the incident on X (formerly Twitter), expressing concern for the elderly participants in their 80s and a group of Army veterans who joined the march. Wangchuk, known for his environmental advocacy and efforts to protect the fragile ecosystem of Ladakh, expressed dismay over the detainment, calling into question India’s democratic values by stating, “We were on a most peaceful march… in the largest democracy in the world, the mother of democracy… Hai Ram!”
I AM BEING DETAINED…
along with 150 padyatris
at Delhi Border, by a police force of 100s some say 1,000.
Many elderly men & women in their 80s and few dozen Army veterans…
Our fate is unknown.
We were on a most peaceful march to Bapu’s Samadhi… in the largest democracy… pic.twitter.com/iPZOJE5uuM— Sonam Wangchuk (@Wangchuk66) September 30, 2024
The march was part of a larger movement aimed at drawing attention to the environmental degradation in Ladakh and the broader Himalayan region, which Wangchuk has been vocally fighting for. The activist’s campaign has gained widespread attention due to the rapid melting of glaciers in the region, exacerbated by pollution and unchecked industrial activities. These issues have also become a point of political contention, with Wangchuk urging the government to provide constitutional safeguards for Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
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The detainment of Wangchuk and the padyatris raises concerns about the state of peaceful protest in India, particularly when it comes to environmental issues. Despite the obstacles, Wangchuk’s march continues to garner support from various sections of society, with many highlighting the urgent need for climate action to protect the delicate Himalayan ecosystem.