AsiaNet-Pakistan Premier Editorial Content and Press Release Distribution Service
Leh, Environmental and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has announced a march in Leh on April 7 to press for the demands of the people of Ladakh, following the conclusion of his 21-day hunger strike.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Wangchuk’s hunger strike, aimed at advocating for statehood for Ladakh, its inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, and other related demands, ended on Tuesday evening. During a rally held at a stadium in Leh, he expressed that the end of his hunger strike does not signify the end of the struggle for Ladakh’s rights. He emphasized that the people of Ladakh, including those from Kargil and Leh, would persist in their protests until their demands are met.
Wangchuk detailed plans for a march to Changthang, located to the east of Leh, on April 7. The march, led by the Leh-based Apex body, aims to shed light on the ground realities faced by the residents of Ladakh. He also mentioned efforts to remind the BJP-led Indian government of their commitments to protect the environment and the tribal indigenous culture of Ladakh.
Furthermore, Wangchuk warned that if the Indian government attempts to obstruct the planned march, the people of Leh are prepared to initiate a ‘Jail Bharo Tehreek’ (court arrest movement) and potentially a non-cooperation movement to assert their rights.
Chering Dorjay Lakruk, a senior leader of the Leh Apex Body (LAB), stated that in addition to the march, continuous hunger strikes and sit-ins by various groups, including women, students, and youth, in support of Ladakh’s statehood and inclusion in the Sixth Schedule, among other demands, will persist.
In Kargil, the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) organized a large rally with the attendance of hundreds, indicating that protests would expand after Ramadan. The KDA leaders announced that future actions would be determined following discussions with the LAB.