Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk ends fast after 21 days, Ladakh statehood stir to continue | India News

In the last three years since Ladakh and J&K became separate Union Territories, some Ladakhis have become restive about broken promises. Educationist and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk completed his 21-day hunger strike on Tuesday, sleeping in the open despite temperatures being at a biting -10 degrees Celsius. Last week, Ladakhi students held protests in Delhi, Pune and Nagpur.Despite assurances of dialogue from Centre, there have been multiple protests in parts of Ladakh
Why are Ladakhis on the streets?
J&K and Ladakh were declared two separate UTs following the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019. Soon after the euphoria of having an identity separate from J&K had died, Ladakhi people realised that creation of a UT left them without a legislature, depriving them of autonomy in governance. There are also concerns of adequate representation in govt jobs and land rights. In addition, Kargil, which is predominantly Sunni Muslim, was unhappy to be lumped with Buddhist- dominated Leh.

A deeper panic has set in at the blistering pace of ‘development’ projects that have been announced in the last two years. The Centre has cleared seven hydro-electric projects in the Indus basin and its tributaries while also commissioning ONGC to set up a geothermal energy power plant at Puga Valley and a hydrogen unit by NTPC. This has raised concerns among locals of large-scale clearance of forest land.
What are they demanding?
Ladakhis believe their interests will only be protected if they have full statehood. They have also demanded tribal area status under the Sixth Schedule of Article 244 of the Constitution that will provide for establishing autonomous district councils (ADC) in Ladakh and Kargil. ADCs will have the power to impose taxes and make laws in areas such as village administration and forest management, while staving off industrial and mining giants in this ecologically-sensitive region.
What is the govt’s stand?
Ladakh’s demands received a fillip in Sept 2019 when National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) recommended ‘tribal area’ status for Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule. It felt this would help in “democratic devolution of powers, preservation and promotion of the region’s distinct culture, protect agrarian rights and enhance transfer of funds for the speedy development of Ladakh”. It reasoned that over 97% of the population is categorised as Scheduled Tribes and requires these protections. However, the ministry of home affairs did not accept this, and the administration continued to be run under the supervision of the lieutenant governor. Between Jan and Feb 2023, the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) that includes political representatives from both regions started a series of protests called ‘Leh Chalo’.
Starring role by Wangchuk of ‘3 Idiots’ fame
The protests might have remained contained but for Wangchuk who shot to international fame after the Bollywood film ‘3 Idiots’ starring Aamir Khan credited his innovative teaching philosophy. The Ramon Magsaysay winner sat on his first climate fast on Jan 26 last year to amplify Ladakhi demands. He created videos and garnered support across the country and the world. He started his second climate fast on March 7, consuming only water and salt. He has been making emotive arguments, including protection of the region’s sensitive glaciers from excessive industrialisation and previous govts’ sympathetic reactions to the peoples’ movements.
Incidentally, Wangchuk’s father sat on a fast for indigenous people’s rights in 1984 and broke it on the 16th day when then PM Indira Gandhi flew down to Ladakh to assure him that the concerns would be addressed.
Wangchuk’s 21-day fast is inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s fasts (in 1933, and again in 1943). Speaking on the last day of his fast he said, “India is the mother of democracy. We citizens have a very special power. We are kingmakers. We can compel the govt to change their ways or change the govt if that doesn’t work. So let us use our ballot power very carefully this time.”
What is the status now?
In Dec 2023, the Centre set up a high-powered committee to allay concerns and two meetings were held but not much headway has been made since. There has been reluctance on the part of govt to give in to demands for autonomy and statehood, keeping in view the strategic importance of the region. Recent clashes with Chinese troops in Galwan Valley have made the situation even more sensitive. In the last meeting after March 4 a statement made by MHA said that govt was committed to providing necessary Constitutional safeguards to Ladakh. Home minister Amit Shah assured representatives of KDA and LAB that the consultative mechanism will continue to engage on issues such as measures to protect the region’s unique culture and language, protection of land and employment, inclusive development and employment generation, and examine constitutional safeguards for positive outcomes. This however left the two bodies dissatisfied.
Though Wangchuk’s fast has ended, the protests are likely to be continued by others. Both sides have dug in their heels. However, with national security at stake, the Centre cannot afford to ignore or be dismissive of a restive Ladakh.