Sun Oct 06 14:53:00 UTC 2024: ## Ladakh Protesters Detained in Delhi, Accuse Police of “Terrorist” Treatment
**New Delhi:** Supporters of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who were detained at the Delhi border on September 30, have expressed deep disappointment over their treatment, alleging they were treated like terrorists upon reaching the national capital.
The group, known as the ‘Delhi Chalo Padyatris,’ embarked on a 1,000-kilometer journey from Leh on September 1, demanding statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. They were detained by Delhi Police for violating prohibitory orders.
“They treated us like terrorists,” said Gurmet Dorjay, a former executive councillor of Korzok who participated in the padyatra. “We are raising a genuine demand, a promise made by the BJP in their manifestos. We are not asking for stars. They gave a cheque which bounced.”
Dorjay further claimed that the group was detained for over 24 hours, despite legal limitations, and were driven around in buses before being detained again.
Concerns have also been raised over a mega solar power project planned for the Korzok region, which protestors fear will displace nomadic communities and negatively impact the Pashmina goat industry.
Despite facing hardships, including blisters and sleeping on the floor in police stations, the protesters remain determined. “We are full of energy,” said Sonam Wangchuk, a Buddhist Lama who joined the protest. “These wounds will be better in few weeks, but the heartache we have will not go unless our demands are met.”
Sonam Wangchuk, the climate activist, is currently on a fast at Delhi’s Ladakh Bhawan along with other supporters, after being denied permission for a sit-in at Jantar Mantar.
The ‘Delhi Chalo Padyatra’ was organized by the Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance, who have been demanding statehood for Ladakh for the past four years.
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