Wed Oct 02 07:20:21 UTC 2024: ## Opposition Condemns Detention of Activist Sonam Wangchuk and Ladakhi Protesters at Delhi Border

**New Delhi, October 1, 2024:** Opposition leaders have strongly condemned the detention of prominent activist Sonam Wangchuk and over 120 Ladakhi protesters at the Delhi border on Monday night. The protesters were marching to the national capital demanding sixth schedule status for the union territory, which would grant them greater autonomy.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi called the detention “unacceptable,” highlighting the peaceful nature of the march and questioning the detention of elderly citizens. AAP leader and Delhi Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj also condemned the action, calling the police curfew imposed “very bad.” Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal echoed the sentiment, stating that everyone has the right to come to the national capital.

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra took to social media to question if Delhi had become a “dictator’s fortress” where ordinary citizens are barred from entering.

The protesters, including Sonam Wangchuk, had embarked on a foot march from Leh to New Delhi on September 1st to urge the Centre to resume dialogue on their demands. Besides the sixth schedule status, their other key demands include separate Lok Sabha seats for Leh and Kargil districts.

The group was initially requested to return after Delhi imposed prohibitory orders till October 5th, but they continued their march. As a result, they were detained by the police who were already deployed at the border.

Sonam Wangchuk had shared visuals of their buses being stopped by a large police presence shortly before their detention. He described the detention as “unfortunate” and “unjustified,” highlighting the peaceful nature of their march.

The Delhi Police cited law and order issues, including calls for protests by various organisations, as the reason for banning gatherings of five or more persons in the national capital for the next six days. The ban also includes restrictions on carrying banners, placards, and arms.

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