Ladakh's Fight for Statehood: Soman Wangchuk's 28-Day Fast

Climate activist Soman Wangchuk announced that he will launch a 28-day fast on Independence Day if the government does not engage Ladakh authorities in talks regarding statehood and constitutional protection. Wangchuk criticized the government for not honoring its promises and for allowing industrial exploitation in Ladakh's ecologically fragile region.

Climate activist Soman Wangchuk declared on Sunday his intent to start a 28-day fast on Independence Day if the government fails to initiate talks with Ladakh authorities on demands for statehood and constitutional safeguards.

Wangchuk revealed to PTI that during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to Dras, representatives from Leh and the Kargil region submitted a memorandum outlining these demands. He emphasized their attempt not to pressure the government during the election period, hoping for concrete steps post-polls.

He criticized the government for reneging on its promise to grant tribal area status and full statehood for Ladakh, attributing this backtrack to industrial pressures. Despite being a hotspot for renewable energy, Wangchuk insists clean energy projects should not compromise local communities and wildlife.