Police Detain AISA Members Supporting Wangchuk’s Hunger Strike for Ladakh’s Sixth Schedule Demand

Delhi Police detained members of the All India Students Association (AISA) on Sunday during a protest outside Ladakh Bhawan in support of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk. Wangchuk is currently on an indefinite hunger strike, having begun his protest on October 5 to highlight the demand for Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh, alongside calls for statehood and other regional concerns.

Sonam Wangchuk’s Demands

Wangchuk and his supporters are advocating for constitutional safeguards that would empower the local population of Ladakh to protect their land and cultural identity. Their demands are supported by both the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA).

On October 9, the Delhi High Court issued a notice requiring responses from the Delhi Police, the Government of NCT Delhi, and other parties regarding a plea filed by the Leh Apex Body. The plea seeks permission for Wangchuk and others to conduct a peaceful protest or hunger strike (Anshan) at Jantar Mantar from October 8 to October 23, 2024.

A bench comprising Justice Prathiba M. Singh and Justice Amit Sharma has directed the involved parties to submit their responses by October 16, 2024, with a detailed hearing scheduled for October 22, 2024. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Delhi Police, opposed the plea, questioning the urgency of the proposed protest.

The Leh Apex Body contends that peaceful assembly and free speech are fundamental rights protected under Articles 19(1)(a) and 19(1)(b) of the Constitution. They have requested permission for Wangchuk and other ‘Padyatris’ to hold their protest at Jantar Mantar or another suitable location.