The indefinite hunger strike initiated by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and his supporters in Delhi, advocating for the rights of the people in the Ladakh region of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, has entered its seventh day. According to Kashmir Media Service, the protest is currently taking place at the entrance of Ladakh Bhawan, where Wangchuk and his group have been gathered since they began their strike on Sunday. In an Instagram post, Wangchuk encouraged supporters to join the movement by participating in a day-long fast on Sunday (tomorrow). He expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from individuals who have visited them and shown solidarity with their cause. Wangchuk and his supporters marched to Delhi from Leh to demand the inclusion of Ladakh in the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, which would provide greater autonomy and self-governance to the region.

Their journey was met with police intervention when they were detained at Delhi’s Singhu border on September 30, only to be released on the night of October 2. The protesters are calling for urgent discussions with top Indian government officials, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Their demands extend beyond constitutional inclusion to include statehood for Ladakh, the establishment of a public service commission, and the allocation of separate Lok Sabha seats for the Leh and Kargil districts. This movement is being organized by the Leh Apex Body, in collaboration with the Kargil Democratic Alliance, both of which have been at the forefront of advocating for the rights of Ladakhi people. As the hunger strike continues, the urgency of the protesters’ demands resonates with many who are advocating for the preservation of Ladakh’s distinct identity and the empowerment of its people.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan