Renowned climate activist and innovator Sonam Wangchuk’s detention by Delhi Police sparked widespread outrage in Ladakh region of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, prompting a complete strike in the region.

According to a Kashmir Media Service report on Thursday, the Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance called for the shutdown to protest Wangchuk’s detention and demand Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh, which would grant greater protection to the region’s population from land, property and cultural rights from outsiders.

Wangchuk was detained while leading a march from Leh to Delhi to advocate for Ladakh’s rights. Over 120 protesters, including Wangchuk, were held at the DelhiHaryana border on September 30, 2024. The march aimed to urge the Centre to resume dialogue with Ladakh’s leadership regarding their demands.

People gathered in large numbers at Leh’s NDS Stadium to express support for Wangchuk. Addressing the participants, Chhering Dorje Lakrook, Ladakh Buddhist Association president, emphasized the unity against the injustice.

Sajjad Kargili, a social activist from Kargil, began a hunger strike after being detained, urging the Modi regime not to suppress Ladakh’s demands.

The Kargil Democratic Alliance condemned the detention, calling it a violation of fundamental rights and democratic principles.