Sonam Wangchuk, Ladakh Protesters To Begin Indefinite Fast In Delhi Tomorrow After 'No Response' From Govt

These groups have been advocating for statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution for the past four years.

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk addresses a press conference, in New Delhi, Friday, Oct. 4, 2024.

Source : PTI

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk announced on Friday that he and fellow protesters from Ladakh would begin an indefinite fast starting Saturday. This decision follows the lack of response from the government to their request for a meeting with the President, Prime Minister, or Union Home Minister.

Wangchuk, leading the 'Delhi Chalo Padyatra' which started from Leh a month ago, is part of a broader movement organised by the Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance. These groups have been advocating for Ladakh's statehood and its inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution for the past four years.

At a press conference, Wangchuk stated they had written to the offices of the President, Prime Minister, and Union Home Minister to seek an appointment, and were assured they would receive a response by Friday at 5 pm. "We have not received any response from the government. So we will sit on an indefinite fast from tomorrow," Wangchuk said, as quoted by PTI.

Several other prominent leaders from Ladakh, including MP Mohmad Haneefa and members of the Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance—Sajjad Kargili, Asgar Karbalai, Tseering Punchok, and Ashraf Ali Barcha—were also present.

We Hope We Get Jantar Mantar, But We Will Sit Wherever We Are Offered: Sonam Wangchuk

Wangchuk claimed that officials from the Home Ministry had initially requested them to break their fast with the assurance of a meeting with the national leadership. However, given the lack of further communication, they feel compelled to proceed with the protest.

The activists have requested permission to hold the protest at Jantar Mantar but have yet to receive confirmation. Wangchuk appealed to political parties, organisations, and individuals for support in securing a venue for their peaceful protest, emphasising their commitment to Mahatma Gandhi’s principles of Satyagraha.

“We hope we get Jantar Mantar, but if we do not get permission, we will sit wherever we are offered a place,” Wangchuk stated.

He added that the people of Ladakh are best suited to protect the region's ecology but are excluded from decision-making processes. Criticising the current governance, Wangchuk argued that Ladakh remains under a "permanent governor's rule," where elected representatives have limited influence on decisions.

Wangchuk reiterated their demand to meet with the national leadership to discuss Ladakh’s four-point demands. Earlier in the week, Wangchuk and around 150 other protesters from Ladakh were detained at Delhi’s Singhu border. They were taken to Mahatma Gandhi’s memorial at Rajghat and subsequently released.