why-is-ladakh-climate-activist-sonam-wangchuk-on-fast-unto-death

Ladakh climate activist Sonam Wangchuk is now on his 14th day of a hunger strike, persistently advocating for the protection of Ladakh's constitutional rights as a Union Territory and the preservation of its ecologically fragile ecosystem from the encroachment of industrial and mining interests.

 

“250 people slept hungry at -12 °C to remind the Indian Government of its promises to safeguard Ladakh’s environment and tribal indigenous culture. This government likes to call India the ‘Mother of Democracy’. But if India denies democratic rights to the people of Ladakh, then it could only be called a Stepmother of Democracy,” Wangchuk, a Ladakh-based engineer and educator, wrote in his latest post on X on March 18.

 

He thanked those who participated in the previous day's protest against Ladakh's climate crisis.

 

Wangchuk's hunger strike commenced on March 6 in Leh, Ladakh, with a gathering of hundreds of people at 3,500 metres above sea level. He outlined his protest strategy, which will unfold in stages of 21 days each.

 

What is the reason behind Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike?

 

The urgency of Wangchuk's protest stems from the perceived failure of the government to fulfil promises, including safeguards under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution and the demand for full statehood for Ladakh.

 

Wangchuk, as quoted by PTI, stated, “First, it will be Thupstan Chhewang (former BJP Lok Sabha MP) and me. If we die, who next, and how many? All that roster is being prepared."

 

“After many meetings, the government has backtracked on its promises and is talking of a much-diluted version of what is already in the Constitution for this exact situation. So what happened, and why did they change their mind?” Wangchuk said, pointing out that the BJP-led Central government had mentioned the protection of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule in its manifestos for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections and 2020 Ladakh Hill Council polls.

 

The protests were sparked by the absence of a resolution following inconclusive talks between the Ladakhi leadership and the central government.

 

While the reason behind Centre's U-turn is subject to speculation, Wangchuk said his goal was to make the voices of Ladakhi people heard “so that the pressure of the industrial and mining lobbies is neutralised and the government can take a fair decision.”

 

Wangchuk also highlighted environmental issues, particularly the exploitation of the Himalayas by industries through dam construction and tunneling. He urged the formation of support groups across cities to advocate for nature, the Himalayas, and the indigenous people of Ladakh.

 

Why did Wangchuk choose a 21-day duration for each phase of his hunger strike?

 

Explaining the significance of the 21-day duration for each phase of his hunger strike, Wangchuk drew inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi's longest fast during the Independence struggle. He stated, "Twenty-one days—because this is the longest fast that Mahatma Gandhi kept during the Independence struggle, and I want to follow Mahatma’s path where we inflict pain on ourselves so our government and policymakers notice our pain and act in time."