After a gruelling 21 days surviving solely on salt and water, renowned climate activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk has concluded his hunger strike. His protest aimed to advocate for Ladakh’s statehood and to protect the fragile Himalayan ecology. Despite ending his fast, Wangchuk remains resolute in his commitment to continue the fight for constitutional safeguards and the political rights of Ladakh’s people.
“I will continue to fight for constitutional safeguards for Ladakh and people’s political rights,” stated Wangchuk as he brought his hunger strike to a close. Thousands gathered across various parts of the Union Territory as his fast ended, with women’s groups announcing their intent to initiate a hunger strike to support the same demands.
Wangchuk, whose life inspired the character Phunsukh Wangdu in the film ‘3 Idiots’, had commenced his fast on March 6, with the possibility of extending it until death if necessary.
In a video shared on social media, Wangchuk urged the Union government to demonstrate leadership and address the demands of Ladakh’s people. Despite harsh weather conditions, he highlighted the participation of 350 individuals in the fast, emphasizing the critical need to safeguard the Himalayan ecosystem and preserve Ladakh’s indigenous tribal cultures.
“We are trying to remind and awaken the consciousness of our Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi and Home Minister Mr Amit Shah to safeguard the fragile ecosystem of the Himalayan mountains in Ladakh and the unique indigenous tribal cultures that thrive here,” Wangchuk emphasized.
The demand for Ladakh’s statehood gained momentum after it became a separate Union Territory following the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019. Protests and hunger strikes intensified earlier this year, uniting leaders from Buddhist-dominated Leh and Muslim-dominated Kargil, who called for statehood and protection of tribal rights under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. Despite a high-level committee’s formation to address these demands, no significant breakthrough has been achieved after several meetings with protesters’ representatives. Following a meeting with Home Minister Amit Shah on March 4, during which the demands were reportedly rejected, Wangchuk commenced his hunger strike in Leh two days later, symbolizing a continued struggle for Ladakh’s rights and recognition.