New Delhi: A hunger strike led by Ladakhi climate activist Sonam Wangchuk at Ladakh Bhawan in Delhi has intensified, marking its 14th day as participants demand greater autonomy and rights for the Ladakh region.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Wangchuk and his supporters began their protest on October 6, seeking to draw attention to several critical issues facing Ladakh, part of the region of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Their demands include the inclusion of Ladakh in the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, statehood, and the establishment of a public service commission, as well as separate Lok Sabha seats for the Leh and Kargil districts.
The protesters have called for a meeting with top BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to discuss their concerns. In a significant show of support, leaders from the All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS), a left-affiliated farmers’ organization, met with Wangchuk and his group, endorsing their cause and criticizing the central government’s policies towards Ladakh, which they described as colonial in their implementation and impact on the region’s ecological sensitivity.
The AIKS has highlighted the broader implications of the central government’s approach, pointing out its failure to adhere to federal principles in India, and has urged support across the country for Ladakh’s democratic struggle against perceived threats to democracy by the current government.
Amidst growing attention, Wangchuk also addressed challenges of misinformation spreading on social media regarding the protest, calling for legal action against those spreading false content. He emphasized the movement’s legitimacy and the unfulfilled promises made by the BJP government, including the assurance of Sixth Schedule status, which grants significant autonomy concerning land and job rights to the residents of specified areas.