Mon Sep 22 16:07:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the provided text:

**Ladakh Residents Continue Hunger Strike, Demand Statehood and Constitutional Protections**

**New Delhi, September 22, 2025** – A hunger strike led by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk continues in Leh, Ladakh, as residents demand Statehood for the region and its inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. The strike, now in its 13th day, is slated to continue for 35 days.

Ladakh civil society leaders have criticized the Union Home Ministry for scheduling talks for October 6, deeming the date “unilateral” and too late given the ongoing protests. Cherring Dorjay Lakruk, president of the Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA) and co-convener of the Leh Apex Body (LAB), expressed concerns that public impatience could lead to unrest.

Wangchuk emphasized the difficulties of fasting at high altitudes but affirmed the protestors’ commitment. He suggested the government might try to delay or dissolve the upcoming hill council elections to avoid addressing the Sixth Schedule issue.

The Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) have been in discussions with the High-Powered Committee (HPC) on Ladakh, led by Minister of State Nityanand Rai, regarding constitutional safeguards for the region since 2023. The last meeting between the two parties was held on May 27.

Ladakh became a Union Territory in 2019 following the revocation of Article 370, lacking a Legislative Assembly. Since then, residents have been calling for constitutional safeguards, job reservations for locals, and parliamentary seats for Leh and Kargil districts.

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