Ladakh Seeks Statehood: Wangchuk Threatens New Hunger Strike

Climate activist Soman Wangchuk threatens a 28-day hunger strike on Independence Day if the government does not meet demands for Ladakh's statehood and constitutional protections. He earlier led a 21-day fast and submitted demands to PM Modi. Local bodies urge inclusion under the Sixth Schedule for autonomy.

Climate activist Soman Wangchuk announced on Sunday his intent to launch a 28-day hunger strike on Independence Day if the government fails to invite Ladakh authorities for talks regarding statehood and constitutional protections for the union territory.

During an interview with PTI, Wangchuk noted that the Apex Body, Leh (ABL), and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his recent visit to Dras for the 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas.

Wangchuk emphasized that if the government does not respond, a new protest will commence on August 15. Previously, Wangchuk fasted for 21 days with similar demands, highlighted by Ladakh’s bifurcation post-Article 370 abrogation, and calls for inclusion under the Sixth Schedule to protect the region's fragile ecology and cultural identity.