Activists Rally Against Detention: Patkar Leads Fast for Wangchuk

Social activist Medha Patkar condemned the detention of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and his supporters. Patkar announced a fast in solidarity with Wangchuk. Activists gathered at the Press Club to support the demands for granting statehood to Ladakh and Sixth Schedule status. They called the detentions a conspiracy.

On Tuesday, social activist Medha Patkar condemned the detention of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and his supporters, comparing their treatment to that of farmers during their protests.

Calling it a conspiracy, Patkar declared she would observe a day-long fast on Wednesday in solidarity with Wangchuk and urged public support.

Environmentalists, climate experts, and social activists convened at the Press Club under the National Alliance of People's Movements to address Wangchuk's detention, expressing support for the 'Padyatris'' demands, which include granting statehood to Ladakh and Sixth Schedule status.

Patkar alleged, 'These activists are being treated like the farmers were. After walking on foot, they expected dialogue with the Centre. Instead, a prohibitory order was issued, and they were detained in different police stations. This is a conspiracy.' She noted that both the Prime Minister's Office and the Home Ministry were informed in advance about their march.

Patkar added, 'A letter was written for October 3 but was also rejected. The government fears us and uses the police to block us.'

The conference speakers also criticised the detention of Ladakh political activist Sajjad Kargili, who was set to speak at a JNU panel discussion on Ladakh's issues.

The activists stated that Haryana elections and Waqf Board controversies were cited as reasons for detaining the Padyatris, calling these excuses.

They demanded the release of Wangchuk and his supporters and urged authorities to permit their 'Padyatra' to Rajghat.

Environmentalists Prafulla Samantara and climate expert Soumya Dutta also addressed the conference.

Around 120 people from Ladakh, including Wangchuk, were marching towards the national capital demanding Sixth Schedule status for the Union Territory when detained. Wangchuk is leading the 'Delhi Chalo Padyatra,' which started from Leh a month ago.

(With inputs from agencies.)