October 1, 2024: Prominent environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk was detained by Delhi Police on September 30 while leading a peaceful march to the national capital. Wangchuk, along with approximately 150 supporters, was stopped at the Singhu Border during the 'Delhi Chalo Padyatra,' a demonstration advocating for key political demands from the Ladakh region.

Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Wangchuk reported the situation, stating, "I AM BEING DETAINED... along with 150 padyatris at the Delhi Border, by a police force of hundreds, some say 1,000. Many elderly men & women in their 80s and a few dozen Army veterans... Our fate is unknown." His message reflected the gravity of their circumstances, underscoring the peaceful nature of their protest.

The activists were marching in support of several critical demands, including statehood for Ladakh, the extension of the Constitution's Sixth Schedule, the establishment of a public service commission, and the creation of separate Lok Sabha seats for the Leh and Kargil districts. Wangchuk emphasized the significance of their peaceful protest, lamenting, "We were on a most peaceful march to Bapu’s Samadhi... in the largest democracy in the world, the mother of democracy... Hai Ram."

The detention of Wangchuk and his supporters has sparked concern among activists and local leaders, highlighting ongoing tensions regarding governance and representation in the strategically important region of Ladakh.