On Sunday morning, New Delhi police detained over 30 protesters near Ladakh Bhawan. The detainees were distributed among various police stations in the district, including Mandir Marg Police Station.
Sonam Wangchuk, a well-known climate activist based in Ladakh, was leading an unrelenting hunger strike on the eighth day when this incident took place. Wangchuk’s protest aims to secure greater administrative autonomy for Ladakh, among other demands.
According to Jigmat Paljor, Coordinator of the Leh Apex Body, the situation unfolded as follows:
By 10:30 AM, approximately 50 supporters had gathered outside Ladakh Bhawan. At this point, Delhi Police began blocking access roads and deploying forces. Despite these measures, the number of supporters swelled to around 100 by 11 AM.
In response to the growing crowd, law enforcement detained 38 individuals. However, Sonam Wangchuk was not among those taken into custody. At the time of the report, Wangchuk was said to be in a nearby park, continuing his protest.
The police action highlights the growing tension surrounding Ladakh’s push for greater autonomy. As Wangchuk’s hunger strike continues, it remains to be seen how authorities will balance public order concerns with the right to peaceful protest.
This incident underscores the complex interplay between regional aspirations and central governance in India, particularly in strategically significant areas like Ladakh. As the situation develops, it may have broader implications for discussions about autonomy and administration in the region.
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