Sun Oct 06 13:37:43 UTC 2024: ## Environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk to Commence Indefinite Fast in Delhi for Ladakh’s Demands

**New Delhi:** Environmentalist and social activist Sonam Wangchuk is set to begin an indefinite fast in Delhi from Saturday to press for the fulfillment of key demands for Ladakh, a Union Territory without a legislature. This comes after the Central Government has yet to initiate any dialogue on these demands.

Wangchuk, who walked to Delhi on foot from Ladakh along with 150 activists, concluding his ‘Dilli Chalo Padyatra’, was detained by Delhi Police on Monday at the Delhi-Haryana border. The padyatra, which began in Leh on September 1st, aimed to urge the Central Government to discuss a four-point agenda including pushing for 6th Schedule status for Ladakh and addressing environmental concerns.

After being released from detention, Wangchuk and other activists will now commence their fast, seeking the government’s attention on their concerns. “The venue and time for the fast are yet to be decided. We are awaiting permission from the Delhi Police,” said Sajad Kargili from the Kargil Democratic Alliance, who will also participate in the fast.

While in prison, Wangchuk and his fellow activists had already begun fasting, demanding permission to pay respects to Mahatma Gandhi on his birth anniversary, the intended conclusion of their yatra. Their detention followed an order from the authorities imposing Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which restricts the assembly of five or more people.

Following his arrival at Rajghat, Wangchuk announced he would remain in Delhi until discussions on Ladakh’s demands, pending since February this year, are re-initiated by the Home Ministry. Members of the Apex Body of Leh (ABL) have reported that Wangchuk has faced restrictions including meeting with media personnel.

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