Sonam Wangchuk, Ladakhis detention unacceptable: Rahul Gandhi

Rahul Gandhi criticizes detention of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and Ladakhis, demands PM Modi listen to their voices.

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday (October 1, 2024) termed as "unacceptable" the detention of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and other Ladakhis, and said Prime Minister Narendra Modi would have to listen to Ladakh's voice.

Around 120 people from Ladakh, including Mr. Wangchuk — who had marched to the national capital demanding Sixth Schedule status for the Union Territory — have been detained by the Delhi Police at the national capital's border.

"The detention of Sonam Wangchuk ji and hundreds of Ladakhis peacefully marching for environmental and constitutional rights is unacceptable," Mr. Gandhi said in a post on X.

The former Congress chief also asked why elderly citizens were being detained at Delhi's border for standing up for Ladakh's future.

"Modi ji, like with the farmers, this 'Chakravyuh' will be broken, and so will your arrogance. You will have to listen to Ladakh's voice," Mr. Gandhi said.

In a post on Instagram shortly before being detained, Mr. Wangchuk shared visuals from the Delhi border, where their buses were stopped amid huge police presence.

The climate activist can be seen in the video interacting with police officials.