Sonam Wangchuk’s Hunger Strike in Ladakh
Support from Shankaracharya
Sonam Wangchuk, a well-known environmentalist from Ladakh, has been on a salt and water fast for 15 days. His protest is taking place at Martyrs Park in Leh, where he recently received support from ‘Jagadguru’ Shankaracharya. The Shankaracharya visited the protest site to show his support for Wangchuk’s movement.
Widespread Support and Detentions
Wangchuk shared on social media that villages across Ladakh, from those near China and Pakistan to the city of Leh, have joined the fast. In Delhi, hundreds attempted to join the protest but were detained by police. Earlier, members of the All India Students Association (AISA) were also detained while protesting outside Ladakh Bhawan in support of Wangchuk.
Demands for Constitutional Safeguards
Wangchuk’s hunger strike began on October 5, aiming to draw attention to the demand for Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh. This status would provide constitutional safeguards to protect the land and cultural identity of Ladakh’s local population. The Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) support these demands.
Legal Proceedings
On October 9, the Delhi High Court issued a notice to the Delhi Police and other respondents regarding a plea by the Leh Apex Body. The plea sought permission for Wangchuk and others to hold a peaceful protest at Jantar Mantar. The court scheduled a detailed hearing for October 22, while the Delhi Police opposed the plea, questioning the urgency of the protest.
Doubts Revealed
Sonam Wangchuk -: Sonam Wangchuk is an environmentalist from Ladakh, a region in India. He is known for his work in education and sustainable development.
Hunger Strike -: A hunger strike is when someone refuses to eat to protest or bring attention to a cause. Sonam Wangchuk is doing this to demand special status for Ladakh.
Ladakh -: Ladakh is a region in the northern part of India, known for its beautiful mountains and unique culture.
Shankaracharya -: Shankaracharya is a title given to a spiritual leader in Hinduism. In this context, it refers to a religious leader supporting Sonam Wangchuk’s cause.
Sixth Schedule -: The Sixth Schedule is a part of the Indian Constitution that provides special rights and protections to certain regions to preserve their culture and autonomy.
Leh Apex Body -: The Leh Apex Body is a group in Ladakh that represents the interests of the people in the Leh district.
Kargil Democratic Alliance -: The Kargil Democratic Alliance is a group that represents the people of the Kargil district in Ladakh, supporting local issues and demands.
Delhi High Court -: The Delhi High Court is a court in India that deals with legal matters in the Delhi region. It is reviewing a request related to the protest.