Tension in Ladakh After Police Detain Climate Activist Sonam Wangchuk

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 2nd Oct. The detention of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk by Delhi Police at the Singhu border on Monday night has sparked tension in Ladakh, where he leads efforts to protect the local ecology. Wangchuk and over 100 supporters were marching towards the national capital when they were detained for violating prohibitory orders.

In response, nearly two dozen protesters set up crude blockades on National Highway 1, about six kilometers from Fiang, trapping tourists, including foreign visitors. Blockades made with sticks and traffic cones have halted traffic, with around 200-300 people reportedly stranded.

Tourist Phillipe Geelhand, who is among those stuck, told NDTV, “We are stuck on NH1 due to protests by supporters of the activist Sonam Wangchuk… they are not letting anyone pass.” Geelhand noted that a group of foreign tourists had to walk back to Leh, approximately 15 kilometers away, after being unable to pass through the blockades, leaving some belongings in their vehicles.

Although the mood remains calm for now, Geelhand mentioned, “It’s quiet but tense each time a vehicle approaches.” Only military vehicles have been allowed to pass.

Wangchuk’s group was marching to urge the government to resume dialogue on demands, including listing Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution for greater resource management and protection. Since the revocation of Article 370 in August 2019, which altered Ladakh’s status, Wangchuk has been advocating for statehood and environmental safeguards.

He has previously engaged in significant activism, including a five-day “climate fast” earlier this year, which concluded with a public rally in Leh, attracting hundreds of supporters.