Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, along with around 120 others from Ladakh, were detained by the Delhi Police at the border as they marched to the capital demanding sixth schedule status for Ladakh.
The Delhi Police detained the protesters as prohibitory orders banning gatherings of five or more persons were in place. They were taken to police stations near the Delhi-Haryana border.
Before being detained, Wangchuk posted a video on Instagram showing their buses being stopped by police at the Delhi border. He mentioned that they initially thought they were being escorted but later realised they were being detained.
According to Wangchuk, around 1,000 police personnel were deployed at the Delhi border. He also mentioned that heavy security was stationed at Ladakh Bhawan in Delhi and areas where Ladakhi students reside.
The Delhi Police detained only the men participating in the march, leaving women out of custody. The detentions were carried out to prevent the march from proceeding into Delhi.
The 'Delhi Chalo Padyatra' was organised by the Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance. They have been advocating for statehood, the sixth schedule status, and other demands for the past four years.
Due to law and order concerns, Delhi Police imposed a ban on gatherings, protests, and banners in central and northern Delhi, as well as border areas. This ban will remain in effect until October 5.
The protesters are demanding statehood, extension of the Constitution’s sixth schedule, and a separate public service commission for Ladakh. They are also seeking separate Lok Sabha seats for Leh and Kargil districts.
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