Land Acquisition Forum Urges Immediate Release of Ladakhi Marchers Detained at Singhu Border

The Land Acquisition Affected Forum of Himachal Pradesh has voiced strong condemnation over the detention of Ladakhi marchers at the Singhu border and is calling for their immediate and unconditional release.

According to Forum Coordinator Joginder Walia, on the night of September 30, a group of 200 marchers from Ladakh, led by environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk, were nearing the end of their 900-kilometer journey on foot through Himachal, Punjab, and Haryana when they were arrested by the Delhi Police at the border. The marchers, peacefully advocating for the protection of Himalayan resources, were taken into custody and are being held at various police stations.

Walia and the Forum have expressed outrage over this incident, demanding that these peaceful citizens be released without delay.

President B.R. Kondal emphasized the irony of this incident occurring on the eve of Gandhi Jayanti, a day symbolizing peace and non-violence. He pointed out the alarming state of Indian democracy, where even peaceful expressions of dissent are being met with force. Kondal criticized the central government’s actions, accusing them of prioritizing corporate interests over the protection of the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.

The Forum is urging the immediate release of these citizens, who are not only standing up for the Himalayas but also for the spirit of Indian democracy.