Srinagar, Oct 1: CPI (M) leader M.Y. Tarigami on Tuesday strongly criticized the detention of renowned climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and several other Ladakh residents, asserting that the government’s actions demonstrate a blatant disregard for democratic freedoms.
In a statement shared on social media platform X, Tarigami expressed his unequivocal condemnation of the detention of Wangchuk and his supporters. “The unjustified detention of Sonam Wangchuk and the disruption of the peaceful ‘Delhi Chalo Padyatra’ is a clear sign of the government’s utter disregard for the principles of democratic freedom,” Tarigami stated.
Wangchuk, a prominent environmentalist, along with around 120 others, was detained late Monday night at the Singhu border while leading a march to Delhi. The group was advocating for Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh, a demand aimed at securing greater autonomy and protection for the region’s indigenous communities.
The ‘Delhi Chalo Padyatra,’ led by Wangchuk, commenced from Leh a month ago and sought to raise awareness and gain support for Ladakh’s inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. The detention of the peaceful marchers has sparked widespread criticism from political leaders and civil society, who view the move as an infringement on the right to peaceful protest.