New Delhi: The arrest of Ladakhi environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act has drawn strong condemnation from People for Himalaya, a collective working on climate justice in India’s mountain regions. At a press conference, the group described the detention as an attack on democratic rights and demanded his immediate release along with the withdrawal of charges.
Speakers also called for accountability for the police firing on protestors in Leh on September 24, which left four people dead and more than 80 injured. They demanded a judicial probe, the resignation of Ladakh’s Lieutenant Governor and Director General of Police, and the release of all detained leaders.
The collective reaffirmed its support for the four-point agenda of the Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance. This includes statehood for Ladakh and constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule to protect land, employment, and the fragile ecology of the region.
Campaigners stressed that the violent crackdown was linked to wider challenges across the Himalayas. They pointed to recent floods and landslides in Uttarkashi, Mandi, Kishtwar, Joshimath, Dharali, Siang, Ladakh, and Sikkim as evidence of climate risks made worse by unregulated development, deforestation, and mass tourism.
Speakers urged the government to halt large projects such as dams, railway lines, and mega solar parks in sensitive zones. They called for stronger enforcement of environmental laws, fair rehabilitation of affected families, and greater local participation in decision-making.
The collective also announced that October 2 would be observed as a Bharat Bandh to protest Wangchuk’s arrest. Activists emphasized that defending the Himalayas is essential for protecting both ecosystems and democratic rights.
