Renowned climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has persisted with his ‘fast unto death’ protest, which commenced on March 6 in Leh, Ladakh. His steadfast commitment aims to advocate for constitutional safeguards for Ladakh as a Union Territory and to shield its delicate ecosystem from the encroachment of industrial and mining interests.
As Wangchuk’s protest entered its 13th day, he reiterated his plea for constitutional protections for Ladakh and the preservation of its ecological balance. In a poignant message, he highlighted the sacrifices made by supporters who endured harsh conditions, symbolizing their dedication to the cause. Wangchuk underscored the importance of upholding democratic principles, condemning any denial of democratic rights to the people of Ladakh as akin to a betrayal of democracy itself.
Initiating his protest from the high-altitude region of Leh, Wangchuk addressed a gathering, outlining the key objectives of his movement. He emphasized the need for individuals to adopt simpler lifestyles and appealed directly to the government to honor its commitments, particularly regarding Ladakh’s inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution and the grant of statehood.
Expressing disappointment over the government’s apparent backtrack on its promises, Wangchuk questioned the rationale behind the shift in stance. He pointed out the explicit mentions of safeguarding Ladakh’s interests in the BJP-led Central government’s electoral manifestos, raising concerns over the dilution of proposed measures.
The ongoing dialogue between Ladakhi leaders and the Central government, aimed at addressing the region’s demands, including statehood and constitutional safeguards, has thus far yielded no conclusive outcomes. In the face of this impasse, Wangchuk’s protest serves as a potent reminder of the need to prioritize the voices of Ladakhi people and counterbalance the influence of vested interests.
Wangchuk’s activism extends beyond regional concerns to encompass broader environmental issues plaguing the Himalayan region. He decries the exploitation of natural resources by industrial entities, citing instances of dam construction and mining activities. Urging collective action, he calls upon individuals to form support groups advocating for nature conservation and the protection of indigenous communities.
The choice of a 21-day fasting period carries symbolic significance, mirroring Mahatma Gandhi’s historic fasts during the Independence struggle. Wangchuk hopes to evoke empathy from policymakers by subjecting himself to self-imposed hardship, compelling them to address Ladakh’s grievances in a timely manner.
At the heart of Wangchuk’s demands lies the aspiration to secure Ladakh’s autonomy through the Sixth Schedule, a constitutional provision that grants self-governance to autonomous administrative regions. By advocating for Ladakh’s inclusion in this framework, Wangchuk seeks to empower the region with legislative and administrative autonomy, akin to the northeastern states currently under the ambit of the Sixth Schedule.
As Wangchuk’s protest persists, it serves as a clarion call for collective action to safeguard Ladakh’s ecological heritage and uphold its democratic aspirations in the face of mounting challenges.