Protests in Uttarakhand over Wangchuk’s arrest
New Delhi, Sep 28: Protests broke out in Uttarakhand after environmentalist and educationist Sonam Wangchuk was arrested under the National Security Act (NSA) a day earlier.
Demonstrators gathered in Dehradun, Nainital, and Joshimath to demand his immediate release and withdrawal of charges, The Times of India reported.
In Dehradun, scores of citizens assembled at Gandhi Park holding placards and chanting slogans. Dr Mukesh Semwal of Save Himalayas People’s Committee told TOI, “People who live in the Himalayas are deeply disturbed by the manner of his arrest. The Centre’s action will aggravate the peaceful movement in Ladakh against deprivations, suppressions and false promises, sending the message that any sensible voice against the plunder of Himalayan resources will not be tolerated.”
Semwal added that Wangchuk had been “tirelessly working to promote sustainable development in the Himalayas in an innovative way without harming nature. His arrest is a clear attempt to silence a voice that has upheld the cause of the Himalayan people and the protection of the region’s delicate ecosystem.” In Nainital, a candlelight vigil was held at Tallital Daat in front of Mahatma Gandhi’s statue. Supporters said the arrest was aimed at stifling peaceful advocacy for Ladakh and the Himalayan environment.
Atul Sati, convenor of the Joshimath Bachao Sangharsh Samiti, told TOI, “Suppressing democratic voices in ecologically vulnerable Himalayan regions is not only dangerous for local communities but also a threat to ecological and strategic security. The Himalayan region is already bearing the brunt of destructive development and the climate crisis. Now, silencing its people is an attack on democracy, the Constitution and the future of our environment.” Protesters also linked Wangchuk’s detention to the recent Ladakh agitation, which turned violent after police firing on Wednesday killed four demonstrators. Wangchuk had been on a hunger strike since September 10 with four key demands: statehood for Ladakh, inclusion under the Sixth Schedule, employment priority for locals, and community control over natural resources. Protesters warned that ignoring these demands while suppressing dissent could worsen unrest across the Himalayan belt.
