Ladakh Protests: Activist Sonam Wangchuk Detained, 87-Year-Old Hajan Fathima Bano Speaks Out
Leh (Ladakh) [India], October 1: The Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) and Apex Body, Leh have called for a bandh across Ladakh after the detention of renowned activist Sonam Wangchuk on Monday night. Shops in Ladakh were closed as residents demanded Wangchuk’s release and advocated for the sixth schedule to protect the region’s rights.
Hajan Fathima Bano, an 87-year-old Apex activist, voiced her concerns over Wangchuk’s detention. She stated, “We’ve heard they have been apprehended. They didn’t go to engage in conflict; they went to advocate for the sixth schedule on behalf of the people of Ladakh. We are willing to give our lives for them. They shouldn’t be held captive.”
The bandh aims to raise awareness about the ongoing struggle for Ladakhi autonomy and the preservation of its unique cultural identity. Activists are urging the government to listen to their demands and prioritize the rights of the people of Ladakh.
Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and his supporters were detained by Delhi Police at the Singhu border on Monday night. Section 163 of the BNS has been imposed at Delhi borders, said Delhi Police. Wangchuk also took to X to inform about his detention. He posted, “I AM BEING DETAINED… along with 150 padyatris at Delhi Border, by a police force of hundreds, some say 1,000. Many elderly men & women in their 80s and a few dozen Army veterans… Our fate is unknown. We were on a most peaceful march to Bapu’s Samadhi… in the largest democracy in the world, the mother of democracy… Hai Ram!”
Wangchuk and other volunteers were on a foot march from Leh to New Delhi to urge the Centre to resume dialogue with Ladakh’s leadership regarding their demands. One of their key demands is for Ladakh to be included in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, granting law-making powers to the local population to protect their land and cultural identity.
The Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution outlines the governance of tribal areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram in northeast India. It creates autonomous councils with legislative, judicial, executive, and financial powers, allowing these regions to self-govern independently.
Doubts Revealed
Ladakh -: Ladakh is a region in the northern part of India, known for its beautiful mountains and cold desert. It is part of the larger area of Jammu and Kashmir.
Protests -: Protests are when people gather together to show that they are unhappy about something and want it to change.
Activist -: An activist is a person who works to bring about social or political change. They often speak out about issues they care about.
Sonam Wangchuk -: Sonam Wangchuk is a well-known engineer and education reformer from Ladakh. He is famous for his work in improving education and sustainable living in the region.
Detained -: Detained means being held or kept in custody by the police or authorities, usually because of some legal reason.
Hajan Fathima Bano -: Hajan Fathima Bano is an elderly woman, 87 years old, who is also an activist. She is speaking out about the issues in Ladakh.
Kargil Democratic Alliance -: The Kargil Democratic Alliance is a group of people and organizations in Kargil, a part of Ladakh, who work together to address local issues and concerns.
Apex Body, Leh -: The Apex Body, Leh is a group of leaders and organizations in Leh, another part of Ladakh, who come together to discuss and solve problems in their area.
Bandh -: A bandh is a form of protest in India where people close shops and businesses to show their disagreement with something.
Sixth Schedule -: The Sixth Schedule is a part of the Indian Constitution that gives special rights and protections to certain regions and their people, helping them to govern themselves.
Delhi Police -: Delhi Police is the law enforcement agency responsible for maintaining law and order in Delhi, the capital city of India.
Singhu border -: The Singhu border is a location on the outskirts of Delhi, known for being a site of protests and gatherings.
Centre -: In this context, the Centre refers to the central government of India, which is responsible for making decisions for the entire country.