Delhi: Sonam Wangchuk Begins Hunger Strike At Ladakh Bhawan After Jantar Mantar Protest Permission Denied

Wangchuk announced expressing frustration over the denial on social media platform X that their application to hold the protest at Jantar Mantar had been rejected.

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk began a hunger strike at the Ladakh Bhawan on Sunday after being denied permission to protest at Jantar Mantar in support of Ladakh’s inclusion under the Sixth Schedule. Before initiating the fast, Wangchuk told the news agency PTI that he was compelled to stage the protest at the Ladakh Bhawan after failing to find a suitable venue for their demonstration.

Along with around 18 other protesters, he staged the demonstration, chanting slogans such as "Bharat Mata Ki Jai" and "Save Ladakh, Save Himalaya," while singing a Hindi rendition of 'We Shall Overcome'.

Expressing frustration over the lack of response from senior leaders, Wangchuk stated, “When we ended our hunger strike at Rajghat on October 2, it was based on the assurance that we would get an appointment from the Home Ministry to meet the country’s senior leaders. We just want to meet our politicians, get assurances, and return to Ladakh."

He continued, "We were told that we would receive appointments with the President, Prime Minister, and Home Minister by October 4. However, this did not happen after we vacated Rajghat and ended our hunger strike. Therefore, we were compelled to once again observe a hunger strike.”

Wangchuk also expressed his frustration over the denial of permission on the social media platform X, stating that their application to hold the protest at Jantar Mantar had been rejected.

"Another rejection, another frustration. This morning, we received this rejection letter for the officially designated place for protests," Wangchuk said.

Wangchuk Emphasises Mahatma Gandhi’s Principles Of Satyagraha

Wangchuk had previously led the 'Delhi Chalo Padayatra', which commenced a month ago in Leh, organised by the Leh Apex Body in partnership with the Kargil Democratic Alliance.

For the past four years, these groups have campaigned for Ladakh's statehood, inclusion under the Sixth Schedule, the establishment of a public service commission for the region, and separate Lok Sabha seats for Leh and Kargil districts. Most protesters returned to Ladakh on Saturday, but some remained to join Wangchuk in his hunger strike.