Sun Oct 06 14:53:02 UTC 2024: ## Ladakh Activist Sonam Wangchuk Resumes Hunger Strike in Delhi Demanding Sixth Schedule Inclusion

**New Delhi:** Climate activist and prominent Ladakhi figure Sonam Wangchuk has commenced a hunger strike at the Ladakh Bhawan in Delhi on Sunday, after being denied permission to protest at Jantar Mantar. The protest, which includes around 18 other activists, is in support of Ladakh’s inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.

Wangchuk, who previously led the ‘Delhi Chalo Padayatra’ demanding statehood for Ladakh, expressed his frustration over the lack of response from senior leaders. He stated that the group had ended a previous hunger strike at Rajghat on October 2nd based on assurances of meetings with the President, Prime Minister, and Home Minister by October 4th. However, these meetings never materialized.

“We were told we would receive appointments. This did not happen,” Wangchuk said, adding that they were “compelled to once again observe a hunger strike.”

The group’s application to protest at Jantar Mantar, a designated space for demonstrations, was also rejected.

For the past four years, the Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance have campaigned for Ladakh’s statehood, Sixth Schedule inclusion, a public service commission, and separate Lok Sabha seats for Leh and Kargil districts. While most protesters returned to Ladakh on Saturday, a select few joined Wangchuk in his renewed hunger strike.

Wangchuk’s hunger strike is a stark demonstration of the growing frustration amongst Ladakhis regarding their lack of political representation and economic development. It remains to be seen whether this renewed protest will finally garner the attention of the Indian government and lead to a resolution of their demands.

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