The Delhi Chalo Padyatra, which began from NDS Memorial Park in Leh towards Delhi on Sunday, September 1, continued from Rambirpur on Monday, September 2, after a night halt.
Hundreds of participants are taking part in the padyatra to press for their demands for the sixth schedule and other guarantees promised by the Central government post-Article 370 Abrogation.
Flagged off by the Chairman of the Leh Apex Body, Thupstan Chhewang, Co-chairman of the Leh Apex Body, and President of the Ladakh Buddhist Association, Chering Dorje, the padyatra has attracted political and social activists as well as religious leaders of different communities, and young and elderly people.
Approximately 1,000 people gathered to see off the volunteers as they commenced their journey. The protesters halted for the night at Rambirpur and have continued their journey today (September 2).
Innovator and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is leading the peaceful march, had earlier decided to organise a fast unto death for 28 days. However, at the request of the Leh Apex Body, he postponed the idea and instead joined the Delhi Chalo March.
The Delhi Chalo Padyatra, reminiscent of Gandhi’s famous 'Dandi March,' concludes on October 2, Gandhi Jayanti.
Kargil Democratic Alliance, the other important body in Ladakh, is also expected to join the protests in Delhi.
The four-point agenda of the padyatris includes statehood, implementing the Sixth Schedule, the establishment of a separate public service commission, job reservations for Ladakhi youth, and also the creation of an additional Lok Sabha seat.
Prior to this, Wangchuk and thousands of volunteers, had organised a 21-day hunger strike to press their demands.
The protests, led by the apex bodies in Ladakh, had continued for 66 days and was suspended later because of the Lok Sabha elections.
Representatives of LAB and KDA had assured the people of Ladakh that the protests would resume.
Ladakhis are demanding inclusion in the Sixth Schedule because it grants them autonomy to have a say in formulation of laws for sustainable development and environmental protection.
Their concerns are valid, especially at a time when climate change and extreme climate events such as floods and landslides are playing havoc with sensitive mountainous regions like Ladakh.
The Home Ministry had recently decided to create five additional districts in Ladakh, a move that was welcomed by all sections of Ladakh.
So far, several rounds of talks with a high-powered committee established by MHA have failed to reach a consensus on the demands.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah had made it clear that statehood, and the sixth schedule for Ladakh were unacceptable to the ministry.
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