Leh, 24-08-2024 : The Apex Body of People’s Movement for Sixth Schedule for Ladakh has announced a month-long padyatra from Ladakh to Delhi, starting on September 1 and concluding on October 2, to push the Government of India to address Ladakh’s demands. Chering Dorjey Lakruk, co-chairman of the Leh Apex Body, made this announcement during a press conference in Leh, where he was joined by members of the Apex Body representing various communities and political parties, except the BJP. Prominent climate activist and innovator Sonam Wangchuk, who had earlier declared a 28-day hunger strike in support of Ladakh’s four-point agenda, also attended the event.
Dorjey revealed that representatives from the Kargil Democratic Alliance would join the peaceful march in Delhi. He emphasized that this action is necessary because the Government of India has not yet invited Ladakhi leaders for discussions in Delhi, which have been long overdue. He also mentioned that if fewer than 100 volunteers register for the padyatra by September 1, the march might be postponed to a later date.
Additionally, the Apex Body is scheduled to meet with Ladakh BJP leaders in Leh on Sunday. So far, the BJP has distanced itself from the four-point agenda, which includes demands for the Sixth Schedule for Ladakh and statehood for the region.
Wangchuk explained that Ladakhi leaders have opted for non-violent methods of protest, including hunger strikes and peace marches, inspired by Mahatma Gandhi. In response to a request from the Apex Body, Wangchuk agreed to postpone his planned 28-day hunger strike and instead proposed a ‘Dilli Chalo’ padyatra from Leh to Delhi, akin to Gandhi’s historic ‘Dandi March.’ The padyatra will culminate on October 2, Gandhi Jayanti.
During the march, Ladakhi leaders plan to raise awareness about environmental issues impacting the delicate Himalayan ecology and to highlight Ladakh’s demands. Earlier in March, Wangchuk undertook a 21-day hunger strike to advocate for Ladakh’s demands, including statehood, Sixth Schedule protection, an additional Lok Sabha seat, and solutions to the growing unemployment in the Union Territory of Ladakh. The strike was extended by thousands of volunteers from different communities for up to 66 days but was paused due to the Lok Sabha elections. Leaders from Leh had assured that the movement would resume after the new government took office. The Kargil Democratic Alliance also supported these demands, with Kargil leaders participating in a five-day hunger strike in solidarity with Wangchuk.
In July, after the formation of the new central government, Wangchuk warned that he would begin a 28-day fast on Independence Day if the government did not invite Ladakhi leaders for talks. However, the Apex Body of Leh requested him to delay his hunger strike until the government’s response to their negotiations was clear. “We are hopeful that the Government of India will respond positively and engage in meaningful discussions. However, if the outcome is not favorable, the Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance will intensify our agitation, and we may need your continued support, including the resumption of your hunger strike,” the Apex Body communicated to Wangchuk.
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