Sonam Wangchuk Ends Hunger Strike

Environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk and his followers ended their hunger strike after receiving assurances from the Central Government regarding Ladakh's demands. Wangchuk has been advocating for granting statehood to Ladakh and including it under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution to protect its local culture, land, and people. Officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs met Wangchuk and responded positively to his demands, leading to the strike's conclusion.

The Ministry also agreed to hold talks with representatives of the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) on December 3. Wangchuk expressed his satisfaction and optimism, hoping that genuine and positive discussions would take place.

Earlier, Wangchuk and the LAB, along with KDA leaders, had launched a "Delhi Chalo" march from Leh in support of Ladakh’s inclusion in the Sixth Schedule. However, they were stopped by the police at the Delhi border and later detained. Following this, Wangchuk and his team were denied permission to protest at Jantar Mantar, leading them to begin their hunger strike at the Ladakh Bhavan, where he was staying.

The inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule would grant the region the authority to form laws to safeguard its land, culture, and identity.