Environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk, along with 150 others from Ladakh, have been detained by the Delhi Police while on a peaceful march towards Delhi as part of the 'Delhi Chalo Padyatra'. This development comes after the Delhi Police announced the implementation of Section 163 of BNSS in several locations in the city, citing potential protests and demonstrations. The move has been made due to the sensitive atmosphere in Delhi, amidst ongoing political tensions and upcoming festivals.
Sonam Wangchuk Detained Amidst 'Delhi Chalo Padyatra' Protest
Environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk and 150 others from Ladakh have been detained by the Delhi Police during a peaceful march towards Delhi as part of the 'Delhi Chalo Padyatra.' The detention comes as the marchers were heading to the national capital to demand the granting of Scheduled Tribe status to the people of Ladakh.
Background
The 'Delhi Chalo Padyatra' is an initiative led by Wangchuk and other activists from Ladakh. The march began on March 24 from Leh and was scheduled to culminate in New Delhi on April 9. The marchers have been raising concerns about the Union Territory's unique cultural and geographical identity, which they believe is being threatened by the recent political changes.
On April 6, the Delhi Police announced the implementation of Section 163 of the Delhi Police Act in several locations in the city, citing potential protests and demonstrations. The move was made amidst ongoing political tensions and upcoming festivals.
Reactions and Developments
The detention of Wangchuk and the other marchers has sparked outrage among activists and politicians. Several opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, have condemned the police action.
The Delhi Police has defended its decision, stating that the marchers were violating Section 163 of the Delhi Police Act, which prohibits assembly or procession without prior permission from the police.
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