Wed Oct 02 07:36:48 UTC 2024: ## Climate Activist Sonam Wangchuk and Supporters Detained in Delhi, Begin Hunger Strike

**New Delhi, October 2, 2024:** Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and over 120 supporters, who were marching to Delhi to demand Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh, were detained at the Delhi border on Monday night and have begun an indefinite hunger strike in protest.

The “Delhi Chalo Padyatra” began a month ago in Leh and was organized by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), who have been advocating for statehood for Ladakh, inclusion under the Sixth Schedule, expedited recruitment processes, a public service commission, and separate Lok Sabha seats for Leh and Kargil districts.

The group, despite seeking official permission and emailing Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, was detained at the Delhi border for violating prohibitory orders. Police officers stated that they were unable to convince the protesters to return, despite the imposition of Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) which prohibits large gatherings in the capital.

Wangchuk, who was taken to the Bawana police station, has been denied access to his lawyers. He and his supporters have launched an indefinite hunger strike at the various police stations where they are being held.

MP Mohmad Haneefa expressed concern over the detention of approximately 30 women who were allegedly kept with male detainees. He also reported that around 60-70 individuals from Kargil who arrived at the Singhu border to join the march were also stopped by Delhi Police.

While Delhi Police initially denied the detention of women protesters, the reports of their arrest and their alleged treatment have raised further concerns regarding the handling of the situation.

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