On October 2, climate activist and innovator Sonam Wangchuk, along with more than 100 supporters, was detained, once again, by Delhi Police at the Singhu border as they attempted to march to Rajghat to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. Following their release late Tuesday night, Wangchuk and his supporters were re-detained as they insisted on continuing their march.

Sonam Wangchuk, a well-known advocate for environmental sustainability and education, has emerged as a leading voice in the fight for Ladakh’s autonomy. His recent protest aims to bring attention to the pressing need for constitutional protections that would empower the people of Ladakh to manage their own resources and cultural heritage. The demand for inclusion under the Sixth Schedule is particularly significant, as it allows for the establishment of Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) with the authority to govern critical areas such as land use, water management and local law enforcement.

What is Sonam Wangchuk protesting about?

Wangchuk’s activism is rooted in a broader struggle for the rights of Ladakhis. In 2019, he penned a letter to then Union Tribal Affairs Minister Arjun Munda, advocating for the recognition of Ladakh as a Scheduled Area under the Sixth Schedule. 

Munda responded, acknowledging the issue but failing to follow up with concrete action, which has left many Ladakhis feeling overlooked by the central government. In 2023, Wangchuk noted the absence of further discussions with Ladakhi leaders, reinforcing the urgency of their demands.

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The protests in 2019, largely spearheaded by students, gained traction and led to the formation of organizations like the Leh Apex Body (ABL) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA). These groups united to push for the rights promised during the BJP’s electoral campaign, with the Sixth Schedule being a key point of contention. 

Wangchuk argues that these protections are not merely a political promise but essential for preserving Ladakh’s unique identity and preventing the encroachment of corporate interests.

Currently, the Sixth Schedule empowers regions in Northeast India to form ADCs with up to 30 members, allowing local governance on various issues, including agriculture and sanitation. Wangchuk emphasizes that decentralization of power is crucial for Ladakh, as it would guard against potential exploitation by external industrial forces seeking to capitalize on the region’s rich natural resources.

Broadly, the ‘Delhi Chalo Padyatra’, organized by the ABL, outlines a four-point agenda: advocating for statehood for Ladakh, extending the Sixth Schedule, establishing a public service commission, and ensuring separate Lok Sabha seats for Leh and Kargil districts.