Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk plans border march amid hunger strike

Sonam Wangchuk, the prominent climate activist, who has been on a hunger strike for the past two weeks demandiang statehood and constitutional safeguards under the sixth schedule for Ladakh, announced plans for a border march to highlight the region’s plight to the outside world.

Wangchuk, renowned for his efforts in education reform, commenced his ‘climate fast’ on March 6, a day following unsuccessful talks between the representatives of Leh-based Apex body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) with the Central Government, regarding the region’s four-point demands.

As he marked the beginning of the 14th day of his hunger strike, Wangchuk conveyed a grim picture of the situation, stating that 250 individuals had endured hungry nights amidst freezing temperatures of minus 12 degrees Celsius, all in the pursuit of safeguarding Ladakh’s land, environment, and tribal indigenous culture.

“Our nomads are losing prime pasture land to huge Indian industrial plants to the south & Chinese encroachment to the north. To show the ground reality, we’re planning a Border March of 10,000 Ladakhi shepherds & farmers soon,” Wangchuk announced, underscoring the urgent need to address the region’s challenges.

In solidarity with the ongoing agitation, the KDA has called for a half-day general strike and a rally in Kargil town on March 20, amplifying the voices of dissent and underscoring the urgency of addressing Ladakh’s grievances.