Police detain AISA students protesting outside Ladakh Bhavan in support of Sonam Wangchuk

NEW DELHI: The police on Sunday detained members of the All India Students Association (AISA), who were protesting outside Ladakh Bhawan in support of Ladakh-based climate activist Sonam Wangchuk . This Sunday marks fifteenth day of the indefinite hunger strike launched by Sonam Wangchuk seeking greater autonomy for Ladakh ’s administration, among others.

Meanwhile, in the morning it was reported that security has been ramped up outside Ladakh Bhawan in New Delhi as Sonam Wangchuk prepared for a protest, demanding meetings with top government officials, including the President and Prime minister.

#WATCH | Delhi: Police detained members of the All India Students Association (AISA) who were protesting outside Ladakh Bhawan.

They were demonstrating in support of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is demanding to meet the top leadership over Sixth Schedule status for… pic.twitter.com/j8g5gzyAhW

— ANI (@ANI) October 20, 2024

Wangchuk initiated the Dilli Chalo Padyatra on September 1, calling for the inclusion of Ladakh in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution to ensure special protections for tribal areas. Upon reaching Delhi, Wangchuk and more than 170 activists were apprehended by the Delhi police at the Singhu border for reportedly violating prohibitory orders. Although the home ministry promised to engage with them, protesters expressed their frustration over the absence of communication.

“PM was only a few kilometres away from us today, we were told. We were hoping we would get to meet him,” Wangchuk lamented, stressing their efforts to keep the padyatra non-political by steering clear of areas with ongoing elections. The protests have drawn considerable attention, leading to large gatherings and support from different parts of society, including local political leaders.

Recently, Delhi chief minister Atishi attempted to meet Wangchuk but was reportedly denied access by the police. “We are on a peaceful march, yet being held like criminals. I am sure the LG called the police officers and ordered them not to let me meet Wangchuk,” she stated.