'Attack on democracy': Protests held across Uttarakhand to demand Sonam Wangchuk’s release

DEHRADUN/NAINITAL: Protests were seen in Uttarakhand after environmentalist, educationist and innovator Sonam Wangchuk was arrested under the National Security Act (NSA) on Friday. On Saturday, activists, residents and civil society groups across the state held demonstrations in support of Wangchuk.In Dehradun's Gandhi Park, several citizens assembled, demanding Wangchuk's immediate release while seeking clearance of all charges against him. Dr Mukesh Semwal of Save Himalayas People's Committee said, "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. Wangchuk has 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."Protesters also highlighted the increasing risks of calamities such as cloudbursts, flash floods, landslides and earthquakes due to rampant urbanisation, reckless deforestation and unplanned hydel projects. They urged authorities to engage in dialogue with local communities and develop time-bound sustainable development plans that prioritise environmental protection over corporate interests.In Nainital's Tallital Daat, a candlelight protest was held in front of the Mahatma Gandhi statue, where supporters gathered to express solidarity and demand Wangchuk's release. Demonstrators said the arrest was an effort to stifle his peaceful advocacy.Atul Sati, convenor of the Jyotirmath-based citizens' group, Joshimath Bachao Sangharsh Samiti, echoed the demand for Wangchuk's immediate release. He said that "suppressing democratic voices in ecologically- vulnerable Himalayan regions was 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," said Sati. "Now, silencing its people is an attack on democracy, the Constitution and the future of our environment."The arrest followed a mass demonstration — part of a long-standing non-violent movement — in Ladakh on Wednesday, where four protesters were killed in police firing. Wangchuk had begun a hunger strike on Sept 10 with four demands: statehood for Ladakh, inclusion under Sixth Schedule, priority for locals in employment and local decision-making authority over natural resources.