Renowned climate activist and innovator Sonam Wangchuk concluded his 21-day hunger strike in Ladakh on Tuesday, signaling a pivotal moment in his ongoing campaign. His hunger strike, staged in Leh, Ladakh, was aimed at advocating for statehood for Ladakh and its incorporation into the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
In a moment marked by significance, Wangchuk, amidst a sizable crowd and the gaze of media outlets, accepted a glass of juice from a young girl, symbolizing the conclusion of the initial phase of his protest. Despite this pause in his hunger strike, Wangchuk emphasized that it merely marks the transition into a new chapter of the movement rather than its termination.
Asserting the enduring spirit of the cause, Wangchuk, known for his contributions to education reform, affirmed the determination to persist in the struggle for Ladakh's rights. The remarkable support demonstrated by the gathering of 10,000 individuals at the protest site, along with the engagement of over 60,000 others throughout the past 20 days, serves as a testament to the depth of public sentiment and aspirations.
Earlier in the day, Wangchuk utilized social media platforms to reiterate his plea to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, urging them to prioritize the preservation of the Himalayas and to implement the Sixth Schedule in Ladakh for the protection of its indigenous communities.
Expressing his frustrations with the lack of government response, Wangchuk underscored the need for leaders of integrity, foresight, and wisdom, contrasting them with what he described as short-sighted and morally bereft politicians. He expressed hope that Narendra Modi and Amit Shah would demonstrate statesmanship by addressing the pressing concerns of Ladakh.
Additionally, Wangchuk called upon citizens to exercise their voting rights judiciously in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, emphasizing the importance of making informed choices for the betterment of the nation.
