Protests Erupt in Support of Ladakh’s Demands for Statehood

Atishi’s Frustration

On Tuesday, Delhi Chief Minister Atishi visited the Bawana police station to meet detained protesters from Ladakh. However, she felt frustrated when authorities denied her access to Sonam Wangchuk, the activist leading the call for greater autonomy. “The people of Ladakh are demanding statehood. Sonam Wangchuk and others were arrested while trying to visit Bapu’s Samadhi. This shows the BJP’s dictatorship. We stand firmly in support of him,” Atishi declared.

Criticism of the BJP

Moreover, Atishi criticized the BJP, alleging that the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi intervened to block her meeting. “I believe police officers received orders from the LG to prevent me from meeting Sonam Wangchuk. We strongly condemn this. Ladakh deserves full statehood, and Delhi should also be granted full state status,” she asserted.

Erosion of Democracy

In addition, Atishi emphasized, “The BJP is actively undermining democracy and eroding the right to vote. Why did they arrest these individuals? Why am I blocked from meeting them? It’s clear the BJP fears democracy. If this dictatorship continues, LG rule will end in Ladakh and Delhi, and the BJP‘s grip on the central government will falter.”

Protests in Ladakh

Meanwhile, in Ladakh, a large crowd gathered to protest the detention of their fellow residents in the national capital. Demonstrators filled the streets of Leh, demanding the immediate release of Sonam Wangchuk and chanting slogans like “Delhi Police, Shame Shame.”

Haji Hanifa’s Response

Additionally, Ladakh MP Haji Hanifa arrived at the Singhu border between Delhi and Haryana on Tuesday in response to the late-night detentions. “For three years, we have fought peacefully for our rights. We held discussions with the government, but those talks stopped after the elections. We set out from Leh under the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) and the Apex Body to present our concerns. After Wangchuk’s detention, we marched to address these issues, but he and several others, including many women, faced custody,” Hanifa explained.

The March for Dialogue

Furthermore, Sonam Wangchuk and his supporters encountered detention by Delhi Police at the Singhu border on Monday night. The police enforced Section 163 of the BNS at the Delhi borders. Wangchuk and his fellow volunteers had prepared for a foot march from Leh to New Delhi to urge the Centre to resume dialogue with Ladakh’s leadership regarding their demands.

Key Demands for Autonomy

Ultimately, a central issue in their demands is the inclusion of Ladakh in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. This inclusion would grant the local population law-making powers, thus helping to protect their land and cultural identity. As tensions rise, the future of Ladakh’s aspirations remains uncertain, but the resolve of its people grows stronger than ever