Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, recently detained by police while leading the ‘Delhi Chalo Padayatra’ at the Singhu border, has begun an indefinite hunger strike at Ladakh Bhavan as of Sunday evening (October 6). His protest aims to demand the resumption of talks with the government regarding the inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule status.
Wangchuk and fellow protesters had initially sought permission to continue their demonstration at Jantar Mantar but were denied access. In search of an alternative venue, they opted to start their hunger strike at Ladakh Bhavan, where they have been staying for several days.
Speaking to the media, Wangchuk expressed frustration at being unable to secure a location for a peaceful protest. “We were seeking a place where we could hold our peaceful hunger strike, but we weren’t given that opportunity. So we had no option but to begin our hunger strike from Ladakh Bhavan, where we were virtually detained. The assurance of meeting the country’s top leadership has yet to yield any specific dates, forcing us to take this step,” he stated.
Wangchuk emphasized their consistent appeal, stating, “After walking for 30 to 32 days, we wish to meet with some of the top leaders in the capital to share our grievances.” Nearly 18 protesters, including Wangchuk, gathered near the gate of Ladakh Bhavan, raising slogans like “Save Ladakh, Save Himalaya,” “Bharat Mata Ki Jai,” and “Jai Ladakh,” amidst a heavy police presence.
The ‘Delhi Chalo Padayatra,’ organized by the Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance, began in Leh and has focused on demanding statehood for Ladakh, its inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, separate Lok Sabha seats for Leh and Kargil districts, and the establishment of a public service commission for Ladakh.
