Sonam Wangchuk, an engineer and education reformer from Ladakh, who became famous after Bollywood star Aamir Khan played he in the blockbuster 3 Idiots, is on hunger strike under Climatefast for the last 20 days.
At an altitude of 3,500 metres above sea level in sub-zero temperature, Wangchuk seeks autonomy for Ladakh and protection for the region's fragile ecology and glaciers from industrialisation.
On 20th day of his hunger strike, Wangchuk took to social media platform X and express disappointment over the government's apathy towards his protest which is now joined by more than 3,000 people. He also expressed his displeasure over mainstream media which is supposed to provide strength to the democracy.
However, he expressed gratitude towards ordinary citizens for their support stating, “I have not lost faith in this Nation and its leaders.”
Wangchuk expressed that he was feeling tired and experiencing body aches after addressing gatherings to amplify Ladakh's demands, also surviving only on water and salt during the hunger fast.
“20th Day OF MY #CLIMATEFAST, 3000 people fasting with me. But still not a word from the government. Very unusual for a democracy… when 90% of the population have come out to remind the leaders of their promises and 100s have been on fast some for 20 days. But we're very impressed by the public support nationwide… making up for the compromised mainstream media,” Sonam Wangchuk tweeted.
What are demands of Sonam Wangchuk?
Wangchuk is advocating for Ladakh's inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, along with statehood. He also seeks separate Lok Sabha seats for Leh and Kargil districts, exclusive land and job rights, and the establishment of a public service commission. Concerns were raised over the vulnerability of Ladakh's ecosystem to industrial exploitation under its current Union Territory status.
The Sixth Schedule ensures land protection and autonomy for tribal areas.
Sonam Wangchuk alleges that they are losing prime pasture land to huge industrial plants to the south & Chinese encroachment to the north. He further said that to show ground reality we're planning a Border March of 10,000 Ladakhi shepherds & farmers soon.
Wangchuk further demands separate Lok Sabha seats for Leh and Kargil, job opportunities for locals, and Public Service Commission for Leh and Kargil districts in Ladakh.
Wangchuk raises concerns over environmental damage caused by industrialisation. He criticizes government for imposing 13-gigawatt project without consulting locals.
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