New Delhi, Oct 4: Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has announced plans to sit on an indefinite fast starting Saturday, citing the government’s failure to respond to requests for a meeting over Ladakh’s demands. Wangchuk, along with protesters from Ladakh, had sought appointments with the President, Prime Minister, or Union Home Minister, but received no response by the Friday 5 p.m. deadline, leading to the decision to escalate their protest.
Wangchuk has been leading the ‘Delhi Chalo Padyatra’, a protest march that began in Leh a month ago, under the banner of the Leh Apex Body. The group, along with the Kargil Democratic Alliance, has been pushing for statehood for Ladakh and the region’s inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, a cause they have championed for the past four years.
At a press conference, Wangchuk expressed frustration over the lack of communication from the government. “We wrote to the President, Prime Minister, and Home Minister seeking a meeting. Despite assurances, we haven’t received any response,” Wangchuk said. He was joined by Ladakh MP Mohmad Haneefa and other leaders of the Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance.
Wangchuk also mentioned that the group has requested permission to hold their fast at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi but has yet to receive a confirmation. He called upon political parties and organizations to support their movement by providing a venue for the protest if needed.
Earlier this week, Wangchuk and 150 other protesters from Ladakh were detained at Delhi’s Singhu border. The group was later taken to Mahatma Gandhi’s memorial at Rajghat before being released. Their peaceful march and ongoing efforts aim to bring attention to the demands of Ladakh’s people, especially regarding constitutional protections and statehood, which they argue are critical for the region’s political and cultural future.
With no response from the central government, the protesters are now preparing for a prolonged hunger strike to further press for dialogue and action.