Leh, Ladakh – Renowned education reformist and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has reportedly shown visible signs of weakening health as his "climate fast" entered its 15th day on Saturday, March 30, 2024. Wangchuk, who began his protest on March 6, has been undertaking the hunger strike in Leh, advocating for constitutional safeguards and statehood for the Union Territory of Ladakh.

The activist's protest aims to press the central government to address long-standing demands from the people of Ladakh. These include the implementation of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution to protect the region's unique tribal culture and fragile ecosystem, granting full statehood to Ladakh, and ensuring separate parliamentary constituencies for Leh and Kargil. Wangchuk initiated the fast after a series of dialogues between Ladakhi representatives and the Ministry of Home Affairs reportedly failed to yield concrete assurances regarding these demands.

Wangchuk has been protesting outdoors in sub-zero temperatures, consuming only water and salt, a method he refers to as a "climate fast." Reports indicate that medical teams have been regularly monitoring his health, noting a decline in his physical condition over the duration of the fast. Despite his weakening state, Wangchuk has continued to communicate his message, often through video messages shared on social media, emphasizing the urgency of protecting Ladakh's environment from industrial exploitation and safeguarding its indigenous communities.

The ongoing protest has garnered significant attention and support from local residents and various organizations in Ladakh. Large gatherings have reportedly occurred at the protest site in Leh, with many individuals participating in solidarity fasts and demonstrations to amplify the demands. The movement underscores concerns among Ladakhi communities regarding land rights, resource control, and demographic changes since the region's reorganization into a Union Territory in 2019.

Key demands articulated by Sonam Wangchuk and other Ladakhi leaders include:

  • Sixth Schedule Status: Inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, which provides for autonomous administrative divisions for tribal areas to protect their culture, land, and governance.
  • Statehood for Ladakh: Restoration of full statehood for Ladakh, granting it a legislative assembly and greater autonomy in local governance.
  • Separate Lok Sabha Seats: Creation of two distinct Lok Sabha constituencies for Leh and Kargil districts, replacing the current single constituency.
  • Public Service Commission: Establishment of a dedicated Public Service Commission for Ladakh to ensure local employment opportunities and fair recruitment processes.

The central government has yet to issue a public statement directly addressing Wangchuk's current condition or the specific demands during this phase of the protest. Previous rounds of discussions between Ladakhi delegates and the government reportedly concluded without a definitive resolution, leading to the escalation of the protest. The situation remains under close observation as the endurance of the fast continues to draw national and international attention to the unique geopolitical and environmental challenges facing Ladakh. Observers anticipate that further developments will depend on the government's response to the sustained pressure from the ongoing protest.