New Delhi. Delhi Police on Sunday detained around 20 protesters, led by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who have been on an indefinite hunger strike since October 6, outside the Ladakh Bhawan here, demanding the inclusion of Union Territory Ladakh in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. A protestor said that the detained protesters have been taken to Mandir Marg police station. Police had earlier said that Sonam Wangchuk was also among those detained, but New Delhi’s Deputy Commissioner of Police later clarified that climate activists were not among those detained.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) Devesh Mahala said, “We have detained some students from outside Ladakh Bhawan. Sonam Wangchuk is not among them.” Meanwhile, Wangchuk said in a video message that Delhi Police Many of his supporters have been detained. He also questioned why Section 163 of the Indian Civil Security Code (BNSS) is permanently implemented in New Delhi area to prevent gathering at one place without permission.
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Wangchuk said in the message, “Many people came this morning to participate in the peaceful demonstration. It is really sad that he has been taken into custody by Delhi Police. It is saddening because this has happened in the world’s largest democracy, we cannot even have a peaceful protest.
Wangchuk said, “We have been told that Section 163 has been imposed… It is sad that the mother of democracy remains under such restrictions throughout the year. This section is usually implemented temporarily only when there is a possibility of law and order being disturbed. He said, “This is a stain on our democracy and the courts should also take cognizance of it…Such sections should be made permanent.” How can it be implemented formally?
The Ramon Magsaysay Award-winning climate activist also shared the video of people being detained on his social media platform Instagram. A senior police officer said the protesters did not have permission to sit outside Ladakh Bhawan. “They have applied to protest at Jantar Mantar,” the officer said. His application is being considered. They are not allowed to perform anywhere else. We have detained some people who will be released soon.
Wangchuk has come to Delhi from Leh with his supporters demanding the inclusion of Ladakh in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. He was detained by Delhi Police on September 30 at the Singhu border of the capital and released on the night of October 2. They are demanding to meet top leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Also read: Sonam Wangchuk and 20 others protesting outside Ladakh Bhawan in Delhi detained.
The Sixth Schedule of the Constitution contains special provisions for the administration of the tribal areas of the north-eastern states of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram. According to them autonomous councils are established which have legislative, judicial, executive and financial powers to govern these areas independently. The protesters are also demanding statehood for Ladakh, a Public Service Commission for it and separate Lok Sabha seats for Leh and Kargil districts.
