Ladakh’s most well-known environmentalist and innovator, Sonam Wangchuk, has once again stepped into the spotlight—this time with a powerful message. Starting today, he has launched a 35-day hunger strike in Leh, demanding statehood for Ladakh and the region’s inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
Wangchuk, famous for his eco-friendly innovations and activism, is not alone. The Leh Apex Body (LAB) is also part of this movement, standing firmly with him to push the central government to take Ladakh’s demands seriously.
Why the Hunger Strike?
Speaking to reporters, Wangchuk explained that he had no choice but to restart the protest. For months, Ladakh-based groups have been asking the government to address their concerns, but the Ministry of Home Affairs has not held any meeting with them in the past two months.
“Dialogue between Ladakh and the central government has stopped,” Wangchuk said. “A second meeting, which was promised after initial talks, never happened. This shows a lack of seriousness from the government. That is why we have no option but to escalate our movement in a peaceful and democratic way.”
The Demands of Ladakh
At the heart of this movement are two key demands:
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Statehood for Ladakh – Ever since Ladakh was separated from Jammu and Kashmir and declared a Union Territory in 2019, people here have felt the need for more political rights and autonomy. Statehood would give them their own elected assembly and stronger decision-making powers.
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Sixth Schedule Inclusion – The Sixth Schedule of the Constitution provides special protections to tribal and indigenous communities, including rights over land, forests, and cultural practices. It allows for the creation of autonomous district councils, which can legislate on local issues.
For Ladakh, where the majority population is tribal and the environment is extremely fragile, this protection is seen as vital. Without it, locals fear that outside forces could exploit their land and resources, threatening both their livelihood and culture.
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Timing Crucial With Elections Near
The hunger strike comes at a sensitive time. The Leh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) elections are around the corner. Wangchuk reminded the government that it had earlier promised Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh but never fulfilled it.
“This is the right moment for the government to prove its commitment. If they don’t, it will not just affect politics—it will harm Ladakh’s environment and its cultural identity as well,” he said.
A Long-Standing Demand
Calls for Sixth Schedule inclusion are not new. Ever since Ladakh became a Union Territory, several civil society groups have been demanding it. Their argument is simple: without these protections, Ladakh’s unique identity and environment are at serious risk.
The Himalayan region is fragile, with melting glaciers, limited forests, and sensitive ecosystems. Activists believe that only strong local control can protect it from unchecked exploitation.
A Peaceful Movement
Wangchuk and the Leh Apex Body have made it clear that their struggle will remain peaceful and democratic. They are urging the government to come back to the table for talks and deliver on its earlier promises before the upcoming elections.
“This is not just about politics,” Wangchuk stressed. “It is about protecting the future of Ladakh, its culture, its environment, and its people.”
Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike has already caught the attention of people across India. As the days pass, all eyes will be on the government’s response. Will it engage with the people of Ladakh and take concrete steps, or will the silence continue?
For the people of Ladakh, this is not just another protest—it is a fight for identity, rights, and survival in the harsh yet beautiful Himalayan landscape.
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