Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike for Ladakh statehood enters 9th day

The hunger strike of innovator and environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk entered its ninth day on Thursday, as the Leh Apex Body (LAB)—spearheading negotiations with the Union Government for statehood and inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution—underwent significant internal changes by removing political leaders from its fold.

Wangchuk began his hunger strike on September 10, demanding early resolution of key issues facing the people of Ladakh, including constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule and grant of statehood to the Union Territory.

As part of the ongoing protest, 15 individuals, including Buddhist monks, are on a 35-day relay hunger strike alongside Wangchuk. On Wednesday, nearly 500 locals joined in solidarity with a one-day symbolic fast.

In a video message during the strike, Wangchuk made a direct appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi: “You might remember that five years ago, you promised the people of Ladakh that to protect our sensitive culture and fragile environment, the Sixth Schedule would be granted. We now hope you will also grant statehood to the region.”

Meanwhile, Wangchuk remains under scrutiny from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) over alleged irregularities related to foreign transactions. Earlier, the government cancelled the land allotment to the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives Ladakh (HIAL)—a flagship project led by Wangchuk—citing alleged procedural violations.

On the other hand, in a significant internal shake-up, the Leh Apex Body—a collective of civil society groups formed to lead negotiations with the Centre—removed political leaders from its core decision-making body. The move follows growing concerns over the politicisation of the platform.

Among those reinstated is former Member of Parliament and influential Ladakhi leader Thupstan Chhewang, who had earlier resigned from the LAB in July, citing “partisan and individual agendas” within the group.

It is widely believed that the increasing influence of political figures in the LAB hindered meaningful negotiations with the Centre and delayed progress on key demands. Tensions had reportedly intensified ahead of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Leh, elections scheduled for next month.

Several Leh Apex Body members, particularly youth leaders, had raised concerns about the direction of the movement and the dominance of political interests, leading to internal rifts in recent months.

Following Leh Apex Body’s decision to become non-political, the Congress party’s Ladakh unit announced its withdrawal from the body. Former Minister and senior Congress leader Nawang Rigzin, who was part of the LAB, also stepped aside.

The last round of talks between the Home Minister and representatives from LAB and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) was held in May in New Delhi, during which issues related to reservations were settled. These talks are being chaired by Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai.

Despite the internal restructuring of LAB and the ongoing hunger strike by Wangchuk, there has been no breakthrough so far in negotiations with the central government. Both the LAB and KDA continue to push for renewed talks to address the core demands of Ladakh’s people.