Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk announced that he and fellow protesters from Ladakh will commence an indefinite fast starting Saturday, following a lack of response from the government regarding their request to meet with the President, Prime Minister, or Union Home Minister.
Wangchuk, who has been leading the ‘Delhi Chalo Padyatra’ initiated by the Leh Apex Body, stated at a press conference in New Delhi that despite assurances of a meeting notification by Friday 5 p.m., no communication was received.
The ‘Delhi Chalo Padyatra’, which began in Leh a month ago, is part of a movement spearheaded by the Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance. These groups have been advocating for the past four years for Ladakh to be granted statehood and included in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
Wangchuk, accompanied by Ladakh MP Mohmad Haneefa and other alliance members, expressed their intent to hold the fast at Jantar Mantar and appealed to authorities and political organizations for support in securing a venue.
Earlier in the week, Wangchuk and approximately 150 supporters were detained at Delhi’s Singhu border on Monday night. They were taken to Mahatma Gandhi’s memorial at Rajghat on Wednesday and released thereafter. Wangchuk emphasized the urgency of their demands and the need for governmental engagement, noting that they have yet to receive confirmation for their requested protest space.
