Kargil Democratic Alliance calls for half-day general strike in solidarity with Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike

The Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) has announced a half-day general strike on March 20 in a show of solidarity with renowned education reformist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on a hunger strike for 13 days demanding statehood and constitutional safeguards for Ladakh.

Wangchuk’s hunger strike, which commenced on March 6, has gained momentum, with his supporters braving harsh conditions, symbolizing their commitment to Ladakh’s environmental and cultural preservation.

Expressing his discontent with the government’s response, Wangchuk emphasized the significance of Ladakh’s democratic rights and criticized the central authority’s control over the region from New Delhi.

In a bid to escalate their agitation, the KDA and Leh-based Apex body are set to convene and strategize following a deadlock in their recent talks with the Union Home Ministry earlier this month.

In Kargil, the KDA announced plans for a half-day general strike and a protest rally on March 20 to demonstrate solidarity with Wangchuk and the ongoing agitation.

KDA co-chairman Qamar Ali Akhoon stated, “The decision to observe the half-day strike was taken at a meeting. We will also brief the people about the talks with the government.”
Asgar Ali Karbalai, another co-chairman of the KDA, highlighted the inclusive nature of the agitation, refuting attempts to sow discord among Ladakh’s communities. He emphasized that the strike aims to dispel rumors and unite the people of Ladakh in their support for the demands.

Karbalai further revealed plans for the leadership of both the KDA and Apex body to convene shortly in Leh or Kargil to devise a future strategy following the government’s rejection of their primary demands for statehood and constitutional safeguards under the sixth schedule.