Ladakh Statehood: Sonam Wangchuk Begins 7-Day ‘Climate Fast’ to Ensure Safeguards

New Delhi: Sonam Wangchuk, an engineer and education reformist from Ladakh, started his seven-day-long climate fast on Sunday. Wangchuk's fast concerns climate issues of Lakh, aimed at "seeking steps for environment conservation and implementation of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution" for the region. 

Amid Wangchuk's announcement of his "climate fast", leaders from Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) will meet functionaries of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Monday, June 19. 

The issues of the residents of Ladakh, including Leh and Kargil districts, are not limited to the Sixth Schedule. The residents have been demanding "statehood, formation of a public service commission and two separate parliamentary constituencies for Leh and Kargil districts."

Wangchuk rose to fame after the release of the Bollywood blockbuster 3 Idiots, starring Aamir Khan. Khan's character was inspired by Wangchuk's work as an education reformist. 

"Hope prayers work better than protests. Leaders of all communities in Ladakh gathered for 1 Day ClimateFast prayers to support the talks between Ladakhi leaders and Home Ministry," Wangchuk tweeted. 

This is not the first time that Wangchuk has staged a hunger protest. In January 2023, he went through a five-day hunger protest in support of safeguards in Ladakh. 

"Ladakh is a sensitive and crucial region about both the environment as well as the presence of China and Pakistan across its borders. We want a solution to our issues peacefully without any disturbance or agitation," he said.

Welcoming the talks with the government, Wangchuk said that the residents of Ladakh are hopeful of a positive outcome.