Arvind Kejriwal Stands in Solidarity: Extends Support to Sonam Wangchuk’s 21-Day Protest Fast for Ladakh’s Rights

New Delhi, 11-03-2024 : Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal voiced his solidarity with Sonam Wangchuk, an engineer, innovator, and educational reformist, who embarked on a 21-day protest fast advocating for several demands, including statehood and the implementation of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution in the region. Wangchuk, steadfast in his resolve, commenced his fast on March 5 and remains stationed at Leh’s NDS stadium until his demands are met.

In a display of support, Kejriwal took to his official social media platform to share Wangchuk’s message, expressing his backing for both Wangchuk and the people of Ladakh. Kejriwal condemned the central government’s actions, deeming them as unacceptable betrayals of Ladakh’s trust.

Wangchuk, amidst his ClimateFast initiative in Ladakh, emphasized that his struggle extends beyond the borders of Ladakh to address the prevailing ‘trust deficit’ within India. He highlighted the unfulfilled promises of implementing the #6thSchedule Safeguards, which were twice pledged in election manifestos but reneged upon after successive electoral victories. Wangchuk urged citizens across the nation to rally behind the cause, advocating for solidarity and support from urban areas.

On the sixth day of his fasting regimen, Wangchuk conveyed the growing discontent among Ladakh’s populace due to the denial of statehood. Through a personal video post, he underscored the importance of safeguarding the fragile Himalayan ecosystem and its indigenous communities. Wangchuk appealed for a collective effort to lead simpler lives, thereby reducing carbon emissions and mitigating the adverse impacts of mining activities on mountainous regions.

Following the revocation of Article 370 in August 2019, Jammu and Kashmir underwent a reorganization, resulting in the formation of two Union Territories—Jammu-Kashmir and Ladakh.