New Delhi: Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, currently leading a hunger strike advocating for Ladakh's statehood and its inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, on Tuesday made a fresh appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to fulfil promises made to the people. In video messages posted on X platform, a visibly weakened Wangchuk, now on the 21st day of his 'climate fast,' urged the people of Ladakh to exercise their voting rights very carefully this time in the interest of the nation.
Renowned education reformist Sonam Wangchuk has been on a 'climate fast' in sub-zero temperatures since March 6, following a deadlock in talks between joint representatives of Leh-based Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) with the central government. Wangchuk's steadfast protest aligns with the collective demand for Ladakh's statehood and its incorporation into the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, reported news agency PTI.
The Sixth Schedule encompasses provisions related to the administration of tribal areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram, empowering autonomous district councils. The 'climate fast,' anticipated to in the day as Leh-based Apex Body and KDA will announce the future course of action on Wednesday.
ALSO READ| Delhi High Court To Hear Arvind Kejriwal's Plea Against ED Arrest Tomorrow
Sonam Wangchuk, reminded PM Modi of commitments outlined in BJP's election manifestos, Wangchuk said, "Modi is a devotee of Lord Ram and should follow his teaching of 'pran jaye par vachan na jaye' (one may lose their life, but must not break their promise)."
Notably, Wangchuk, whose life inspired Aamir Khan's character Rancho in Bollywood blockbuster 3 Idiots, said, "While India is the mother of democracy, we citizens have a very special power. We are the kingmakers, we can compel a government to change their ways or change the government if that doesn't work. Let us remember to use our ballot power very carefully this time in the interest of the nation."
Ladakh Goes To Polls In The Fifth Phase On May 20
The Lok Sabha elections are scheduled in seven phases from April 19 to June 1, with Ladakh slated to vote in the fifth phase on May 20. Amidst the ongoing hunger strike, Wangchuk highlighted that approximately 60,000 residents out of Ladakh's 3 lakh population have joined the demonstration over the past 20 days, yet there has been no response from the government.
He further emphasised the urgent need to raise awareness among PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the preservation of Ladakh's fragile Himalayan ecosystem and its unique indigenous tribal cultures.
"We do not think of Modi and Amit (Shah) as just politicians, we would rather like to think of them as statesmen and for that they will have to show some character and some farsightedness", the climate activist said.