The Kashmir Pulse

SRINAGAR — After a marathon 66-day hunger strike demanding statehood and constitutional protection for Ladakh, environmentalist Sonam Wangchuck announced the end of the strike, citing the impending Lok Sabha elections and a commitment to maintaining peace during the electoral process.

As per the reports received by the news agency KNO, Wangchuck, flanked by supporters from the Leh Apex Body, emphasized the importance of ensuring a smooth electoral process without disruptions. With only 10 days remaining until the elections, he expressed the need to avoid any complications that could arise from the ongoing hunger strike.

"We do not want any kind of problem in the elections. Therefore, we are ending the strike for now," Wangchuck said. He further expressed hope that the issues concerning Ladakh's statehood and constitutional safeguards would be addressed through the democratic process of voting and subsequent government actions.

Highlighting the core objectives of the hunger strike, Wangchuck reiterated its fundamental purpose. "Our strike was to save the culture, environment, and identity of the people of Ladakh," he said.

The hunger strike, which began in March and continued for over two months, garnered widespread support from various sections of Ladakhi society.

In March, Wangchuck initiated a 21-day hunger strike, which concluded on March 26. Subsequently, the movement gained momentum as youth, women, Buddhist monks, and elders in Leh joined in solidarity, staging consecutive days of hunger strikes in support of Wangchuck's cause.

While the hunger strike has been temporarily suspended, Wangchuck emphasized the readiness to resume protests if necessary in the future.

SRINAGAR — Renowned environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk, who recently concluded a 21-day fast in Leh, has pledged to escalate the movement for Ladakh's full statehood and inclusion in the Sixth Schedule. Amid ongoing protests, including a hunger strike by women in Leh, Wangchuk emphasized a commitment to Gandhian principles in advancing the cause.

Addressing a rally organized by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) on Thursday, according to the news agency KNO, Wangchuk announced plans to intensify the struggle for Ladakh's statehood and Sixth Schedule status, underscoring a peaceful approach inspired by Mahatma Gandhi. He outlined a forthcoming rally in Ladakh's border areas on April 7 as part of this endeavour, aimed at garnering wider support for the cause while advocating for environmental conservation.

LAB affirmed the continuation of the hunger strike, with diverse segments of society, including women, youth, students, and workers, actively participating. Wangchuk's fast, which concluded recently, has been succeeded by a 10-day hunger strike by women, further amplifying the call for Ladakh's statehood and Sixth Schedule inclusion.

Expressing disappointment with the BJP government's failure to fulfil manifesto promises, Wangchuk highlighted the need for concrete action in response to Ladakh's long-standing demands. He criticized the Union Home Ministry's rejection of these demands and urged the government to honour its commitments.

In addition to ongoing protests, Wangchuk outlined plans for a series of hunger strikes involving various stakeholders, including religious leaders and elders, to underscore the urgency of Ladakh's statehood aspirations.

A planned march to Changthang on April 7 aims to shed light on the ground realities faced by Ladakh's residents, amidst growing discontent over unmet promises and political representation.

SRINAGAR — Kargil witnessed a significant shutdown as thousands of demonstrators, led by the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), rallied from Fatima Chowk to Hussaini Park, vocally advocating for full statehood and inclusion in the Sixth Schedule for Ladakh. The demonstration, held in the main market, resonated with fervent slogans demanding greater political autonomy.

According to reports received by the news agency KNO, the KDA, alongside Leh Apex Bari (LAB), garnered support from diverse political, social, and religious organizations representing both Kargil and Leh districts. For the past four years, these groups have tirelessly championed the cause of Ladakh's statehood and constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule.

In response to unsuccessful negotiations with the Central government, KDA co-chairman Asghar Ali Karbalai rallied the crowd at Hussaini Park, urging them to brace for an extended struggle. He announced plans for a hunger strike commencing on March 24, emphasizing the need for a robust response following the government's dismissal of their core demands on March 4.

Karbalai articulated the unwavering resolve of Ladakhi people in the face of governmental apathy, asserting, "Despite several rounds of talks, the government's attitude has been dismissive. They underestimate our determination, assuming they can quell Ladakh's voice with force. But we stand resolute, prepared to escalate our demands.”

Reports inform that the KDA leadership is set to convene with LAB counterparts in Leh to devise a collaborative strategy, intensifying the movement's momentum.

Meanwhile, environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk's fast enters its 15th day, underscoring the gravity of Ladakh's demands. Wangchuk's steadfast protest, fueled only by water and salt, underscores the urgency of Ladakh's plight and the collective responsibility to safeguard its environmental integrity.

Addressing the pressing need to address Ladakh's socio-economic challenges, Wangchuk expressed plans for a border march, aiming to spotlight the region's ground realities. He emphasized the imminent threat posed by industrial expansion in the south and Chinese encroachment in the north, rallying for national solidarity in upholding Ladakh's interests.

SRINAGAR — The call for a bandh resonated strongly in Leh as various religious organizations rallied for the cause of Ladakh's special status.

Led by prominent figures including Nawang Dorje Lacrook and Sonam Wangchuk from the Leh Apex Body, hundreds gathered in support of implementing the Sixth Schedule in Ladakh to safeguard its unique culture and environment.

According to the news agency KNO, despite talks between Home Ministry officials and Ladakh's public representatives yielding no positive outcomes, Leh witnessed a significant shutdown on Thursday.

Business establishments remained closed, and the streets were devoid of their usual hustle and bustle. Public transportation services came to a standstill, although private vehicles were still seen plying the roads. However, government offices continued operations unaffected by the bandh.

The onset of an indefinite hunger strike by renowned environmentalist and innovator Sonam Wangchuk at the NDS Stadium further underscored the intensity of the demands put forth by Ladakh's populace. The hunger strike commenced following a massive rally that saw participation from across Leh.

Addressing the gathering, Leh Apex Body members Nawang Dorje Lacrook and Sonam Wangchuk reiterated the urgent need for implementing the Sixth Schedule in Ladakh. They emphasized that such measures were essential for the preservation of Ladakh's distinct cultural heritage and pristine environment.

Representatives from Ladakh expressed disappointment, claiming that their demands, including statehood, full implementation of the Sixth Schedule, the establishment of a Public Service Commission, and an additional parliamentary seat for Kargil, were not addressed adequately.