Don’t Let J&K Become Another Delhi: Sonam Wangchuk Warns Amid Ongoing Protest for Ladakh’s Rights
Sonam Wangchuk's Hunger Strike Enters Ninth Day: Demands Ladakh's Inclusion in Sixth Schedule
New Delhi, 14-10-2024: Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, currently on the ninth day of his indefinite hunger strike, expressed hope that the newly elected government in Jammu and Kashmir will work in harmony with the Lieutenant Governor (LG) to avoid the administrative conflicts seen in Delhi. Wangchuk, who began his fast on October 6 to demand the inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, also called for the restoration of statehood for Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing that Ladakh’s situation is distinct from that of J&K.
In response to the National Conference-Congress alliance winning the recent Assembly elections in J&K after a decade-long gap, Wangchuk stated, “I hope both the LG and the new government collaborate sincerely. Otherwise, J&K, now a Union Territory with its own legislature, might face the same governance issues Delhi faces, where conflicts between the Chief Minister and the LG are common.”
Wangchuk reiterated his belief that Jammu and Kashmir deserves full statehood but insisted that Ladakh remains a separate Union Territory with minimal ties to J&K. Despite his ongoing hunger strike at Ladakh Bhawan, the Ramon Magsaysay awardee noted that the government has yet to respond to his demands. “We are patient and committed. We are fasting as a form of peaceful protest without causing discomfort to others. When the time comes, we trust that the nation will recognize our cause.”
The activist, wearing a traditional “safa” gifted by a group from Rajasthan, highlighted the support he has received from various communities. “People from all faiths are standing with us, showing the unity in diversity that defines our democracy.”
Wangchuk also raised concerns about the application of Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which permanently restricts unauthorized gatherings in New Delhi. “It’s disheartening to see such regulations being misused. Even peaceful participants observing a silent vow (‘maun vrat’) on the holy day of ‘Ekadashi’ were forcefully detained. Section 163, intended for emergency situations involving potential violence, was misapplied against us.”
Wangchuk and his supporters were previously detained by Delhi Police at the Singhu border on September 30 before their release on October 2. They are pushing for a meeting with senior leadership, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to discuss their demands.
The Sixth Schedule of the Constitution provides for the administration of tribal areas in northeastern states such as Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram, granting these regions autonomy through legislative, judicial, executive, and financial powers. Wangchuk’s march to Delhi was organized by the Leh Apex Body, in collaboration with the Kargil Democratic Alliance, both of which have been advocating for the past four years for statehood for Ladakh, its inclusion in the Sixth Schedule, a dedicated public service commission, and separate parliamentary seats for Leh and Kargil districts.
