NEW DELHI, Oct 6: Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, along with a group of protestors, commenced a fast at Ladakh Bhawan on Sunday after being denied permission to stage their protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. The protest, aimed at securing Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh, had originally been planned for the capital’s designated protest site. However, Wangchuk informed the media that they had no choice but to move their demonstration to Ladakh Bhawan after repeated rejections for a suitable venue.
Wangchuk, accompanied by 18 protestors, gathered near the gate of Ladakh Bhawan, where they raised slogans such as “Bharat Mata Ki Jai,” “Jai Ladakh,” and “Save Ladakh, Save Himalaya.” They also sang a Hindi rendition of the iconic protest song “We Shall Overcome,” underscoring the peaceful nature of their demonstration.
Earlier on Sunday, Wangchuk took to social media platform ‘X’ to express his frustration after receiving a final rejection letter from authorities, which barred the group from protesting at Jantar Mantar. “Another rejection, another frustration. This morning, we received the rejection letter for the officially designated protest site,” Wangchuk posted.
PADYATRIS ON FAST AT LADAKH BHAVAN
So after trying everything possible to find a legitimate place for our anshan fast in New Delhi, we have finally decided to start our fast here at Ladakh Bhavan New Delhi where I was virtually detained for the last 4 days. Among us we have 75… pic.twitter.com/FeB2phQ2e5— Sonam Wangchuk (@Wangchuk66) October 6, 2024
The fast comes as part of the broader ‘Delhi Chalo Padayatra,’ a month-long march that began in Leh and was organized by the Leh Apex Body. The march, supported by the Kargil Democratic Alliance, seeks statehood for Ladakh, its inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, the establishment of a Public Service Commission for Ladakh, and the creation of separate parliamentary constituencies for Leh and Kargil.
While the majority of the march’s participants returned to Ladakh on Saturday, a small group stayed behind in Delhi to join Wangchuk in his fast, symbolizing continued determination to press for the region’s demands despite the challenges faced in staging the protest.