Sonam Wangchuk begins 35-day hunger strike demanding Ladakh’s statehood

Three weeks after the Ladakh administration cancelled the land allotment for his institute, noted climate activist and innovator Sonam Wangchuk on Wednesday began a 35-day hunger strike in Leh, demanding statehood and inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. The protest, supported by the Leh Apex Body (LAB), is intended as a peaceful call to action against what Wangchuk termed as continued neglect by the central government.

During a press briefing, Wangchuk announced that the hunger strike will initially last for 35 days and will be extended if the demands are not addressed by the Union Government. He also demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the functioning of the Ladakh administration.

An all-faith prayer service was held to mark the beginning of the fast, with participation from Wangchuk, LAB leaders, and local residents.

Wangchuk alleged that the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has not engaged in dialogue with Ladakh’s leadership for the past two months. “The talks with the Union Government stopped around two months ago. Just as discussions on our core demands—including the Sixth Schedule and statehood—were about to begin, the Centre abruptly halted communication,” he said.

The MHA had previously held several rounds of dialogue with both the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) regarding reservations and other regional concerns. However, Wangchuk said momentum has now stalled without explanation.

Referring to the upcoming Leh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) elections in October, Wangchuk reminded voters of the BJP’s unfulfilled promises. “In the 2020 Hill Council elections and the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP had assured the people of Ladakh that the region would be included under the Sixth Schedule. Another election is around the corner, and it’s time for people to hold them accountable,” he said. The BJP had won the previous Hill Council elections in Leh.

Wangchuk clarified that, having been excluded from official negotiations with the Centre, he has chosen peaceful protest in the form of a hunger strike. “This is a non-violent movement to protect the rights and future of Ladakh,” he said.

The protest also follows controversy over the cancellation of land allotment to Wangchuk’s Himalayan Institute of Alternative Learning (HIAL). In an official order dated August 21, the Ladakh administration withdrew the lease, citing “non-utilisation for the proposed university”. The decision sparked sharp criticism from local residents and civil society groups.