Education reformer Sonam Wangchuk, whose life inspired the character in the Bollywood film "3 Idiots," has entered the seventh day of his hunger strike demanding statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
Wangchuk, known for his innovative educational methods and environmental activism, began his protest on March 5th at Leh's NDS stadium.
Vowing to continue in phases until the government addresses his demands, he braves the harsh Ladakhi winter with temperatures dipping to minus 16 degrees Celsius.
He accuses the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of reneging on its 2019 election promise to grant Ladakh the Sixth Schedule status, which provides special autonomy to tribal communities.
With 97% of Ladakh's population belonging to indigenous tribes, Wangchuk emphasises the region's unique cultural identity and the need for constitutional safeguards.
A champion for environmental protection in the Himalayas, Wangchuk has specifically focused on the fragile ecosystem of Ladakh.
In a video message, he expressed solidarity with Mahatma Gandhi's non-violent struggle, highlighting his 21-day fast mirroring Gandhi's longest such protest.
Wangchuk decried the lack of mainstream media coverage surrounding his protest and the critical issues facing Ladakh.
He criticised the media's focus on less significant matters while neglecting the potential security crisis brewing in the strategically crucial border region.
Drawing a chilling analogy, Wangchuk likened the situation to a glass of water turning to ice. He implores the government for immediate action, warning of dire consequences if the grievances of the Ladakhi people remain unheard.
The hunger strike comes amidst heightened tensions along the India-China and India-Pakistan borders.
Wangchuk emphasises the need for statehood to strengthen Ladakh's internal security and bolster the morale of armed forces stationed in the region. He expresses concerns about the reported recruitment of Gorkha soldiers by China, highlighting a potential national security threat.
Wangchuk's unwavering protest displays the disappointment felt by Ladakhis following the BJP's failure to fulfil its pre-election promises.
Both the 2019 Lok Sabha victory in Ladakh and the 2020 local elections saw the BJP pledging Sixth Schedule inclusion, assurances that have yet to materialise.
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