Climate Activist Sonam Wangchuk Ends 21-Day ‘Climate Fast’ In Ladakh, Says ‘Not An End To Protest’

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk on Tuesday ended his ‘Climate fast’ which demanded statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. He, however, insisted that his fight would continue. “Today the first phase of the hunger strike has ended but it is not the end of the movement, it is a new beginning. Tomorrow new activities will begin, women will begin their hunger strike. We will continue (the protest) as long as we need to,” he was heard saying in a clip shared by news agency PTI.

He highlighted that nearly one-third of Ladakh’s population engaged in the protests in recent days.

VIDEO | Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk ends his hunger strike to demand statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. He, however, insisted that his fight will continue. pic.twitter.com/Eb4iMQR2Yd

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 26, 2024

After breaking his fast by drinking a glass of juice, Wangchuk addressed a large gathering of supporters. He praised the widespread support received from across the nation, expressing gratitude for the solidarity shown towards Ladakh’s aspirations.

#WATCH | Sonam Wangchuk, an engineer turned educational reformist called off his hunger strike today in Leh, Ladakh.

The hunger strike was for the statehood of Ladakh and the protection of the fragile Himalayan ecology. pic.twitter.com/TDjt2LUrIn

— ANI (@ANI) March 26, 2024

During the protest, he survived on salt and water for 21 days and was joined by hundreds of people under freezing conditions in Leh. The union territory of Ladakh is witnessing protests demanding statehood for the region and its inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.

ALSO READ | Sonam Wangchuk Climate Fast Enters Day 20. Know His Demands And How Govt Has Responded

Sonam Wangchuk Urges Ladakh To Use ‘Ballot Power Very Carefully’

Earlier in the day, Wangchuk issued a fresh appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he urged the people of Ladakh to use their voting power judiciously in the upcoming elections.

In video messages shared online, Wangchuk, visibly weakened by his prolonged fast, reminded PM Modi of the promises made by the BJP in its election manifestos. Drawing on the teachings of Lord Ram, Wangchuk urged the Prime Minister to uphold the principle of ‘pran jaye par vachan na jaye’ (one may lose their life, but must not break their promise).

Emphasising the power of democracy, he called on Ladakhi citizens to use their vote wisely in the interest of the nation. Referring to the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, he underscored the importance of citizen participation in shaping the future of the region.

21st Day OF MY #CLIMATEFAST
350 people slept in – 10 °C. 5000 people in the day here.
But still not a word from the government.
We need statesmen of integrity, farsightedness & wisdom in this country & not just shortsighted characterless politicians. And I very much hope that… pic.twitter.com/X06OmiG2ZG

— Sonam Wangchuk (@Wangchuk66) March 26, 2024

“While India is the mother of democracy, we citizens have a very special power. We are the kingmakers, we can compel a government to change their ways or change the government if that doesn’t work. Let us remember to use our ballot power very carefully this time in the interest of the nation,” said the climate activist.

According to PTI, representatives of the Leh-based Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) will announce the future course of action on Wednesday. The hunger strike, initiated on March 6, has drawn attention to the demands for Ladakh’s statehood and its inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.

Expressing disappointment over the lack of response from the government, Wangchuk highlighted the participation of around 60,000 residents of Ladakh in the hunger strike over the past 20 days. He urged Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah to take decisive action to protect Ladakh’s fragile ecosystem and unique indigenous tribal cultures.

“We do not think of Modi and Amit (Shah) as just politicians, we would rather like to think of them as statesmen and for that they will have to show some character and some farsightedness,” Wangchuk remarked, calling for proactive measures to address the region’s concerns.

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