Sonam Wangchuk released from detention after 36 hours, pays tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat
Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who was detained by the Delhi Police at the national capital's border with Haryana for leading a march demanding Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh, was released on Wednesday evening. Upon his release, Wangchuk and over 150 of his supporters paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at his memorial, Rajghat, on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti.
Sonam Wangchuk ends fast? ?
The 58-year-old, who was leading the 'Delhi Chalo Padyatra' from Ladakh, was detained at the Delhi-Haryana border on Monday evening. Wangchuk was kept at the Bawana police station, while other 'padayatris' were at three other police stations at the Delhi-Haryana border.
All were escorted in buses by police personnel to Rajghat at about 9.30 pm, and later, Wangchuk and all other 'padayatris' were allowed to go. Following their release, Wangchuk said he and his supporters have also ended their fast.
Why did Sonam Wangchuk march to Delhi
Wangchuk and others had embarked on a foot march from Leh to New Delhi on September 1, to urge the Centre to resume dialogue with Ladakh's leadership regarding their demands.
One of their key demands is for Ladakh to be included in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, granting law-making powers to the local population to protect their land and cultural identity.
Will meet PM or President soon
"We have given a memorandum to the government to protect Ladakh under such constitutional provisions, so that its ecology can be preserved. In this case, it is the Sixth Schedule, which gives locals the right to govern and manage the resources," Wangchuk said.
"Locals should be empowered in the Himalayas because they can best preserve it. In the coming days, we will meet the prime minister, president, or home minister; this is the assurance we have been given by the home ministry," he added.
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