New Delhi: The detention of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and his supporters at the Singhu border while marching to Delhi has sparked outrage, with Delhi Chief Minister Atishi not allowed to meet him at Bawana police station.
Atishi vehemently criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government and demanded statehood for both Ladakh and Delhi. “The people of Ladakh want statehood,” Atishi asserted, highlighting the need for greater autonomy to protect Ladakh’s unique ecosystem and cultural identity. She further drew parallels with Delhi’s own struggle for full statehood, emphasising the BJP’s disregard for democratic principles.
Atishi, who was denied access to meet Wangchuk, accused the BJP of resorting to dictatorial tactics and suppressing democratic rights. She claimed that the police action was orchestrated by the LG, preventing her from meeting with Wangchuk, who was on a foot march from Leh to Delhi demanding the inclusion of Ladakh in the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
“I am fully confident that these police officers must have received a call from LG Sahab that the representative of the elected government, Delhi CM should not be allowed to meet Sonam Wangchuk,” she said.
Wangchuk’s detention has reignited the debate over the future of Ladakh, with concerns about its vulnerability to exploitation and environmental degradation under the current UT status. The activist’s march aimed to highlight the urgent need for local control over their resources and a voice in their destiny.
The matter has now reached the Delhi High Court, with a plea filed for the release of Wangchuk and his supporters. The court has agreed to hear the case on October 3rd, 2024 if all the documents are submitted by the petitioner by 3:30 pm.
This incident has escalated the tensions between the Aam Aadmi Party government in Delhi and the BJP-led central government.
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