Prominent climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has begun a 35-day hunger strike in Leh, linking his protest for Ladakh’s statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution and other actions against him by the Union Territory administration.
The protest comes just weeks after the administration cancelled the lease of land allotted to his Himalayan Institute of Alternative Learning (HIAL) and ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into its functioning.
The cancellation order, issued on August 21, claimed that the land had not been utilised for the proposed alternative university.
Wangchuk and his supporters, however, argue that HIAL has already developed innovative projects in sustainable living and education, drawing national and international recognition.
Local residents and civil society groups allege that the move was politically motivated, designed to weaken Wangchuk’s growing influence as he presses for Ladakh’s constitutional safeguards.
The announcement of a CBI inquiry further deepened suspicions. Wangchuk has openly accused the administration of attempting to discredit him and silence his movement.
“This is a non-violent protest to protect the rights and future of Ladakh,” he said at the launch of his fast, attended by an all-faith prayer gathering.
At the heart of his strike are two long-pending demands: statehood for Ladakh and protection under the Sixth Schedule to safeguard the fragile region’s identity, culture, land, and resources.
While the Centre has offered concessions on domicile, language, jobs, and land ownership, it has consistently resisted demands for statehood and full Sixth Schedule protections.
Wangchuk has also criticised the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) for halting talks with Ladakhi leaders, including the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), nearly two months ago. “Just as discussions on our core demands were about to begin, the Centre abruptly stopped the dialogue,” he said.
The strike coincides with the run-up to the Leh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) elections in October. Wangchuk reminded voters of the BJP’s unfulfilled promises from the 2019 Lok Sabha and 2020 Hill Council elections, when the party pledged to bring Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule.
By combining his personal battle over HIAL with Ladakh’s wider political struggle, Wangchuk has transformed his hunger strike into a symbol of resistance against both administrative overreach and constitutional neglect.
For many Ladakhis, his fast has now gone beyond political rights to protect the region's unique identity and future.
