Sonam Wangchuk Ends Fast After Meeting MHA Joint Secretary, Submits Demands for Ladakh’s Future

NEW DELHI/JAMMU, Oct 3: Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and his associates concluded their fast in New Delhi today after holding a key meeting with the Joint Secretary of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). During the meeting, they submitted a detailed memorandum outlining the demands of the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA). Before handing over the memorandum, Wangchuk publicly read out the demands, expressing hope that the central government would resume stalled discussions with representatives of Ladakh.

The demands included securing Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh, the restoration of statehood, the establishment of a full-fledged Public Service Commission (PSC), and an additional seat in Parliament to represent the interests of the Union Territory. These demands have been at the forefront of the agitation spearheaded by LAB and KDA, aiming for greater autonomy and representation for the region.

Some leaders from both the Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance were also present in New Delhi, lending weight to the meeting with the Joint Secretary. Wangchuk and the delegation expressed their desire for future meetings with senior Central Government representatives to further discuss these critical demands.

Following the meeting, Wangchuk and other activists, who had undertaken a month-long ‘Padyatra’ from Leh to New Delhi, called off their fast. The activists had previously been detained at Singhu border during their march to the capital but were later allowed to visit Raj Ghat, where they concluded their peaceful protest. All activists have since been released from detention.

Meanwhile, in a separate legal development, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the Delhi High Court that Sonam Wangchuk and his associates had been released. Mehta also announced that the Delhi Police had withdrawn the prohibitory order that restricted assemblies and protests in certain parts of the capital, which had been imposed in light of the Padyatra. He emphasized that the situation had changed, and the detention was not in the strict sense of the word, as the activists were no longer in custody and had freely submitted their memorandum to the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The petitions, filed by social activist Azad and lawyer Mustafa Haji—legal advisor to the Leh Apex Body—seeking the release of Wangchuk and his associates, were closed by the Delhi High Court after their release was confirmed. The court proceedings ended with the petitioners’ lawyers acknowledging the government’s steps to address the situation.

Wangchuk remains hopeful that the Centre will act on Ladakh’s pressing demands, particularly with regard to ensuring the region’s constitutional safeguards and its people’s political future.