Leh: In a surprising turn of events, climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has announced the cancellation of the much-anticipated Pashmina March, which was scheduled to take place on April 7th. Wangchuk declared the march’s objectives met before its commencement, citing the primary goal of raising awareness about the alleged occupation of the Changpa tribe’s land by China.
Wangchuk’s decision comes amidst escalating tensions, with the administration blocking routes to Ladakh, enforcing Section 144, and shutting down the internet. These measures have sparked concerns among locals, disrupting daily life and commerce.
Initially, the Pashmina March aimed to protest the Chinese presence in Ladakh’s pastures, a move that Wangchuk claims has resulted in the annexation of approximately 4,000 square kilometers. The march was to feature Pashmini shepherds, who would testify to the changing landscape of their grazing grounds.
Despite advocating for peaceful protest, Wangchuk expressed apprehension that the administration’s actions to halt the march might indicate an attempt to conceal the truth from the public. Leh District Magistrate Santosh Sukhdev had previously issued orders under Section 144 of the CrPC, citing potential disturbances to peace.
In a video message, Wangchuk criticized the administration for exerting undue pressure, suggesting that directives from Delhi might be influencing local governance. He highlighted the peaceful nature of his 31-day fast, which concluded on March 26th, and voiced concerns that the administration’s heavy-handed approach could inadvertently incite unrest.
The Pashmina March’s cancellation raises questions about the effectiveness of advocacy and the right to peaceful assembly in the face of administrative clampdowns.
