Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been at the forefront of the movement demanding Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh, expressed his frustration on Sunday after Delhi Police denied him permission to hold a fast at Jantar Mantar.
Wangchuk, in his latest post on X shared a copy of the letter sent by the authorities, rejecting his request.
Wangchuk, widely respected for his innovative contributions to environmental and educational causes, said, "Another rejection, another frustration. Finally this morning we got this rejection letter for the officially designated place for protests."
He further questioned why it was becoming so difficult to follow in the footsteps of Mahatma Gandhi in his own country.
"If Jantar Mantar is not allowed, please tell us which place is allowed. We want to abide by all laws and still express our grievance in a peaceful way," he added.
The rejection letter from Delhi Police stated that Wangchuk's request was submitted at short notice and lacked details regarding the time frame of the gathering.
As per police guidelines, applications for demonstrations at Jantar Mantar must be submitted at least 10 days before the event and be held strictly between 10 am and 5 pm.
Jigmat Paljor, coordinator of the Leh Apex Body, which represents the protesters, confirmed that they were actively searching for an alternative venue in coordination with the police and government officials.
In a video message shared on X on Saturday night, Wangchuk explained the context behind the protest.
He claimed that after breaking their earlier fast at Rajghat, the protesters had been assured of an appointment with senior government officials within two days.
However, after being denied such a meeting, they were left with no choice but to announce an indefinite fast.
Wangchuk also pointed out that the authorities cited Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, which prohibits unauthorised gatherings, as being permanently enforced in New Delhi.
Reflecting his frustration, the climate activist quoted poet Mirza Ghalib, saying, "Anshan karne de Jantar Mantar pe baith kar, ya wo jagah bata jaha dafa na ho (Let us fast at Jantar Mantar, or show us a place where no prohibitive section is imposed)."
He urged for a broader dialogue on why, in a democracy, there is no designated place where citizens can sit peacefully and express their grievances.
The protest is part of a larger movement led by the Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance, both of which have been agitating for over four years.
Their demands include statehood for Ladakh, its inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution to ensure the preservation of its unique culture, a public service commission for the region, and separate Lok Sabha seats for Leh and Kargil districts.
Wangchuk has also been leading the 'Delhi Chalo Padayatra,' a march from Leh to Delhi, which started a month ago to raise awareness for Ladakh's demands.
While the majority of protesters have returned to Ladakh, a few remain in the capital to support Wangchuk’s fast.
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