Protests erupt in Ladakh over arrest of environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk
World
Protesters demanded Ladakh to be granted state status
LADAKH (Web Desk) - Protests have erupted in Ladakh against the arrest of prominent environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk and others, that have severely disrupted daily life and movement across the region.
The Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) and Leh Apex Body (LAB) have called for a shutdown in both Kargil and Leh districts, impacting everyday activities significantly.
Sonam Wangchuk had initiated a "Delhi Chalo Padyatra" a month ago to advocate for the Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh.
Among those arrested were leading Ladakh leaders, including KDA co-chair Asghar Ali Kurbali and LAHDC Chief Executive Councillor Mohammad Jafar Akhoon, who were marching towards Delhi.
The KDA and LAB organised the strike to claim Ladakh's rights, including statehood and constitutional protections.
The protesters demanded Ladakh to be granted state status, inclusion under the Sixth Schedule, expedited recruitment processes through the Public Service Commission, and separate Lok Sabha seats for Leh and Kargil.
The KDA has condemned the arrests as violations of fundamental rights, stating that the government's actions were an insult to the democratic rights of people of Ladakh.
The All Kargil Students Association Delhi (AKSAD) has also condemned the arrests, expressing disappointment over the denial of permission for peaceful marchers to proceed to Delhi.
Moreover, Kashmiri leaders Omar Abdullah, Mehbooba Mufti, and M.Y. Tarigami condemned the detention of Sonam Wangchuk and others.
Omar Abdullah criticised the government's detention of peaceful civilians, highlighting the current agitation in Ladakh as a reflection of the illegal actions following the abrogation of Article 370 and 35A.
The people of Kashmir have rejected the narrative of so-called prosperity and improved security promoted by the Indian media since August 2019.
