Jammu, In a widespread show of solidarity, students from the Ladakh region staged protests in Jammu and key Indian cities, advocating for the rights and protection of their homeland’s interests. These demonstrations align with environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike, emphasizing the call for Ladakh’s inclusion under the 6th Schedule and advocating for statehood.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the organized protests, led by various Ladakhi student associations, mobilized around 400 participants in Jammu, including students, parents, and environmental activists. The gatherings aimed to voice the collective concerns of the Ladakh community regarding environmental conservation and the region’s autonomy, reflecting a deep-seated desire for legislative protection and enhanced governance structures.

Parallel hunger strikes and demonstrations were also held in major cities like Delhi, Chandigarh, Nagpur, Dehradun, Mumbai, and Pune, signifying a nationwide call to action among the Ladakhi student diaspora. In Delhi, the All Kargil Students’ Association Delhi and the Ladakh Students’ Welfare Society Delhi facilitated a significant protest, underscoring the urgency of their demands related to land rights, employment, and business safeguards under the 6th Schedule.

The students’ actions resonate with broader regional aspirations for recognition and empowerment, echoing the key points raised by influential Ladakh bodies and activists. The protests serve as a testament to the Ladakhi community’s resolve to secure a sustainable and equitable future for their region within the Indian framework.