Sandeep Bhat
Early Times Report
Jammu, Sept 10: Amid growing divisions among Buddhist leadership in Ladakh, noted environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk on Wednesday launched a hunger strike to support the region’s long-standing demands. The protest, joined by the Leh Apex Body (LAB), is slated to continue for 35 days, with the key demands being the inclusion of Ladakh in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution and granting it full statehood.
Sonam Wangchuk stated that the hunger strike was necessary as the Union Home Ministry has failed to engage with him or address the region’s demands over the past two months. “In the absence of dialogue and any concrete action, we are compelled to escalate the movement,” Wangchuk told reporters, emphasizing that the government’s inaction has left Ladakh’s grievances unattended.
He further pointed out that discussions with the central government came to a halt two months ago. “When talks on the main issues were on the verge of beginning, the government chose not to call a follow-up meeting,” he said. With the Hill Council elections in Leh approaching, Wangchuk reminded the government of its earlier commitment to grant Sixth Schedule status to Ladakh. “This promise must be honored Key demands are inclusion of Ladakh in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution and granting it full statehood.
With the Hill Council elections in Leh approaching, Wangchuk reminded the government of its earlier commitment to grant Sixth Schedule status to Ladakh.
The protest comes amid internal discord within Ladakh’s Buddhist community.
Several Buddhist organizations have expressed opposition to Wangchuk’s participation in the LAB, creating uncertainty in the region’s leadership.
The protest comes amid internal discord within Ladakh’s Buddhist community. Several Buddhist organizations have expressed opposition to Wangchuk’s participation in the LAB, creating uncertainty in the region’s leadership.
According to reports from Early Times, the Higher Powered Committee (HPC) of the Ministry of Home Affairs has shown little interest in reviving stalled talks with agitating groups from Ladakh. In light of this, senior leaders of the Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA) have appealed to veteran politician and former LBA president Thupstan Chhewang to resume his role as Chairman of the LAB.
Chhewang had stepped down from his position in July following the inclusion of new members in the panel. His absence, Buddhist leaders said on Sunday, has resulted in confusion and weakened Ladakh’s collective representation in discussions with the Centre.
In a joint meeting of branch presidents, leaders unanimously resolved that only under Chhewang’s leadership can Ladakh’s aspirations be effectively voiced and pursued. “During his tenure, he brought clarity, strength, and unity to the movement, and successfully addressed several long-standing issues,” the leaders remarked. | 