Delhi Chief Minister Claims Restrictions on Meeting Sonam Wangchuk

On Tuesday, Delhi Chief Minister Atishi alleged that she was not permitted to meet climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who was detained on Monday night at the Singhu border while attempting to enter the national capital with his supporters.

Detention of Sonam Wangchuk

Atishi stated, "I came here to meet Sonam Wangchuk. He is a well-known environmentalist and educationist. He was traveling to Delhi from Ladakh with 150 supporters to raise their voices." She criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led central government for arresting Wangchuk at the border, emphasizing that the people of Ladakh seek democratic rights and do not want leadership from the Lieutenant Governor. Despite being allowed to enter the police station, Atishi said she was denied a meeting with Wangchuk.

Stopped Outside Bawana Police Station

Earlier reports indicated that Atishi was stopped outside the Bawana Police Station. She arrived at the station around 1 PM but was blocked from entering to see Wangchuk. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) released a statement regarding this incident.

Accusations against the Central Government

Atishi further criticized the central government, claiming, "The BJP leaves no stone unturned in killing democracy and taking away voting rights. Why were they arrested? Why am I being stopped? The BJP is afraid of democracy. If this dictatorship continues, the LG rule will end in Ladakh, Delhi, and at the central government level too."

Heavy Police Presence

A significant police presence has been deployed around the Bawana Police Station, located at the Delhi-Haryana border. Wangchuk's supporters, who were also detained, have been held at various police stations near the Delhi borders.

March towards Delhi

Around 120 people from Ladakh, including Wangchuk, were marching to Delhi to demand Sixth Schedule status for the Union Territory when they were detained. Wangchuk is leading the march, named 'Delhi Chalo Padyatra,' which began in Leh a month ago.

Protests in Ladakh

Meanwhile, a large protest took place in Ladakh, with many people gathering in Leh to demand Wangchuk's release. Demonstrators chanted slogans like “Delhi Police, shame shame.”

Statement from Ladakh MP

Ladakh MP Haji Hanifa arrived at the Singhu border and spoke to reporters. He highlighted the ongoing struggle of the people of Ladakh for their environmental and constitutional rights. “For the last three years, we have been fighting for our rights peacefully. After the elections and the formation of the new government, talks with the government ceased.

Also read: Protests Erupt in Leh Over Detention of Climate Activist Sonam Wangchuk

We set out from Leh to present our views, but after Wangchuk was detained, we were also stopped in various areas,” Hanifa said.