Sonam Wangchuk, a renowned climate activist, has been staging an indefinite hunger strike in Delhi since October 6, demanding that Ladakh be included in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. His protest, however, has been met with a crackdown from the Delhi Police, who have detained several of his supporters.
Detainees and Section 163 Controversy
On Sunday, Delhi Police detained several people from outside the Ladakh Bhawan, where Wangchuk was leading his hunger strike. The detainees were taken to the Mandir Marg police station, with reports initially indicating that Wangchuk was among them. However, Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) Devesh Mahla later clarified that the climate activist was not among those detained.
The police justified the detentions citing Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which prohibits unauthorized gatherings. This led to a heated response from Wangchuk, who questioned the permanent enforcement of this section in New Delhi. He argued that the protestors were engaging in a silent protest and criticized the restriction on their democratic right to express themselves.
Criticism of Permanent Enforcement
“Many people came here today to observe a silent protest. It is really sad that they were detained by Delhi Police,” Wangchuk expressed in a video message. He raised concerns about the blanket application of Section 163, saying, “This is a blot on our democracy, and courts should also take cognisance of it… How can such sections be imposed permanently?”
Protest and Demands
The detainees were part of a group of protestors who marched to Delhi from Leh, advocating for various demands. Notably, they are calling for a meeting with the top leadership, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to press for their concerns.
Sixth Schedule Inclusion
The main focus of the protest is to include Ladakh in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. This schedule provides special administrative provisions for tribal areas in northeastern India. The inclusion of Ladakh would grant the region greater autonomy, particularly over resource management and governance.
Other Demands
The Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance, spearheading the protest, have been raising demands for statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion in the Sixth Schedule. The group also seeks the establishment of a public service commission for Ladakh and separate Lok Sabha seats for Leh and Kargil districts.
Police Response
The police maintained that the protesters did not have the required permission to hold their protest outside the Ladakh Bhawan, where Section 163 is permanently enforced. However, they added that the group had submitted an application for a protest at Jantar Mantar, which is currently under consideration.
The ongoing detention and the contentious enforcement of Section 163 raise concerns about the government’s willingness to engage with the protesters’ demands. While the police insist that they are adhering to regulations, the protesters, including Wangchuk, claim that they are facing undue restrictions on their right to peaceful protest.
Take Away Points
- Sonam Wangchuk is leading a hunger strike in Delhi to demand inclusion of Ladakh in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
- Several of Wangchuk’s supporters have been detained by the Delhi Police, leading to criticism over the permanent enforcement of Section 163 of the BNSS.
- The protest group demands a meeting with the Prime Minister to present their concerns about the lack of development and inadequate representation in Ladakh.
- This incident highlights concerns regarding the government’s response to peaceful protests and the enforcement of restrictions on fundamental rights.
