Renowned climate activist and educationalist, Sonam Wangchuk
Renowned climate activist and educationalist, Sonam Wangchuk, expressed disappointment on Monday over what he perceives as a lack of response from the Union government to his ongoing ‘Climate fast’, now in its 20th day. The fast aims to highlight the demands of Ladakh, a region in northern India. Wangchuk took to social media to share updates on his health and the public response to his hunger strike.
Feeling tired and experiencing body aches, Wangchuk revealed that he has been surviving solely on water and salt during the fast, even after addressing gatherings to amplify Ladakh’s demands. Despite his physical challenges, Wangchuk expressed gratitude towards ordinary citizens for their support, emphasizing his faith in the nation and its leaders.
Acknowledging the support of thousands who have joined him in the hunger strike, Wangchuk remarked that he believes their message will reach top government officials, including the Prime Minister, Home Minister, and the President. He expressed optimism that the government would eventually recognize Ladakh’s demands and take appropriate action.
Wangchuk is advocating for Ladakh’s inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, along with statehood. Additionally, he is calling for separate Lok Sabha seats for Leh and Kargil districts, exclusive land and job rights, and the establishment of a public service commission. Concerns have been raised regarding the vulnerability of Ladakh’s ecosystem to industrial exploitation under its current Union Territory status.
The Sixth Schedule of the Constitution provides protections for land and nominal autonomy for tribal areas. However, following the abolition of Jammu and Kashmir’s special constitutional status in 2019, Ladakh was granted Union Territory status. Wangchuk has expressed concerns that without statehood, Ladakh could be governed by a bureaucracy under New Delhi’s supervision.
