Sonam Wangchuk hails youth’s protest for Ladakh at PM rally in Arunachal

Climate activist and educationist Sonam Wangchuk has praised a youth’s protest during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rally in Arunachal Pradesh, where the young man raised a banner seeking “Rights to Ladakh.”

Wangchuk, currently on a hunger strike in Leh for the past 14 days demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule status for the Union Territory, said the protester, identified as Higio Obin, courageously voiced Ladakh’s concerns at the rally. “I thank and salute him on behalf of all residents of Ladakh for raising our voice,” Wangchuk said in a video message.

Addressing potential criticism of the protest, Wangchuk emphasised, “He did not resort to violence but only raised a slogan. This incident is minor compared to the behaviour of some Members of Parliament inside Parliament.” He added, “Young people learn to raise their voices for their rights from their elders.”

Wangchuk is among 15 people currently on a 35-day hunger strike, while around 500 others—including Buddhist monks and locals—participate in one-day fasts daily. On the 14th day of his fast, Wangchuk said he is beginning to feel drained of energy.

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has scheduled the next round of talks for October 6 in New Delhi between Ladakh representatives—led by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA)—and Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai, along with other senior officials. The discussions will focus on demands for statehood and Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh.

Criticising the government’s delay, Wangchuk said in a separate video message that the talks should have been held earlier. “It seems the government is trying to punish Ladakh’s representatives. Talks on such sensitive issues should be immediate,” he said.

Wangchuk recalled that in 2020, when Hill Council elections were scheduled, the central government arranged a special plane after local representatives threatened to boycott the polls. The LAB and KDA have also condemned the government’s delay. The LAB recently stated in a press conference that they were not consulted before the date for talks was finalised.