Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has entered the 17th day of his hunger strike in Ladakh, drawing increasing national attention to his demands for constitutional safeguards for the region. The protest, which has seen Wangchuk lose approximately 8.5 kilograms, aims to secure statehood for Ladakh and the implementation of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution to protect the region's fragile ecology and indigenous culture. As his physical condition declines, public figures and supporters are intensifying calls for the central government to initiate a formal dialogue.
Ladakh was designated a Union Territory without a legislature following the reorganization of Jammu and Kashmir in 2019. Since then, local groups have expressed concerns that the lack of legislative representation leaves their land, jobs, and environment vulnerable to unchecked industrial development. Wangchuk’s protest has become a focal point for these grievances, highlighting a growing disconnect between local aspirations and central administrative policies.
Prominent voices, including actor Naseeruddin Shah and filmmaker Omi Vaidya, have publicly urged Wangchuk to end his fast, citing concerns over his deteriorating health. While the support for his cause remains strong, the physical toll of the protest has prompted a debate on the sustainability of such methods in achieving policy changes. Supporters argue that the extreme nature of the fast is a necessary response to what they describe as government indifference.
As the strike continues, the central government faces mounting pressure to address the specific demands regarding the Sixth Schedule. The situation remains fluid, with local organizations and civil society members waiting for a signal from New Delhi. The coming days are expected to be critical, as the health risks to Wangchuk increase and the demand for a negotiated settlement becomes more urgent.