Sonam Wangchuk Ends Hunger Strike
Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has concluded his 16-day hunger strike, expressing gratitude to supporters and hope for continued positive discussions. Wangchuk received a letter from the Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs addressing his demands. He stated, “We are happy that we are ending this hunger strike on the 16th day. The Joint Secretary Ministry of Home Affairs has given us a letter regarding our demands…We are hopeful that there are positive talks and I do not have to go on a hunger strike for this same issue again…I thank the people of the country who supported this hunger strike.”
Protests and Demands
Earlier, Delhi Police detained members of the All India Students Association (AISA) protesting outside Ladakh Bhawan in support of Wangchuk. He seeks a meeting with top leadership for Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh. Wangchuk began his hunger strike on October 5 to highlight demands for statehood and constitutional safeguards for Ladakh’s local population. This demand is supported by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA).
Legal Proceedings
On October 9, the Delhi High Court issued a notice to the Delhi Police and the Government of NCT Delhi regarding a plea by the Leh Apex Body. The plea requested permission for Wangchuk and others to hold a peaceful protest or hunger strike at Jantar Mantar from October 8 to October 23.
Doubts Revealed
Sonam Wangchuk -: Sonam Wangchuk is a well-known climate activist and innovator from Ladakh, India. He is famous for his work in education and sustainable development, especially in the Himalayan region.
Hunger Strike -: A hunger strike is when someone refuses to eat to protest or bring attention to a cause. Sonam Wangchuk did this to highlight the demands for Ladakh’s Sixth Schedule status.
Sixth Schedule -: The Sixth Schedule is a part of the Indian Constitution that provides special rights and protections to certain tribal areas in India. Ladakh wants this status to protect its unique culture and environment.
Ministry of Home Affairs -: The Ministry of Home Affairs is a part of the Indian government responsible for internal security and domestic policy. They handle issues like law and order, and they responded to Wangchuk’s demands.
Leh Apex Body -: The Leh Apex Body is a group in Ladakh that represents the interests of the people in the Leh region. They support the demand for Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh.
Kargil Democratic Alliance -: The Kargil Democratic Alliance is a group that represents the people of the Kargil region in Ladakh. They also support the demand for Sixth Schedule status.
Delhi Police -: The Delhi Police is the law enforcement agency for the National Capital Territory of Delhi, India. They were involved in detaining protesters who supported Sonam Wangchuk’s cause.
