More than 20 arrested for unrest in Ladakh Bhawan surroundings; stain on democracy: Wangchuk

Delhi Police on Sunday detained more than 20 people who gathered outside Ladakh Bhawan, where climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has been leading an indefinite hunger strike since October 6, seeking Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh.

The detainees were taken to Mandir Marg police station, a police official said, adding that they were not allowed to sit outside Ladakh Bhawan.

The police officer said the protesters had submitted a request to stage unrest at Jantar Mantar but it was being considered and they were not allowed to protest at any other location.

Mr. Wangchuk criticized the police action. In a video message, he questioned why Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which prohibits unauthorized gatherings, was imposed in the New Delhi district.

“Many people came here today to observe a silent protest. It’s really sad that they were detained. It’s sad because in the largest democracy in the world we can’t even hold a silent protest,” he said.

The climate activist said they told protesters not to raise slogans and display signs.

“When people started arriving, they were forcibly removed, put on buses and taken to different police stations,” he said.

“This is a stain on our democracy and the courts should also take notice. How can such sections be imposed permanently?” he said.

Wangchuk said such measures should be reserved for situations where large-scale violence is expected.

“Here, this section has been applied to the entire Delhi area, which is the heart of the national capital. This doesn’t happen in any other country. In a democratic country like ours, if people cannot express themselves, that is a violation of freedom of expression”, he added.