Leh, September 12, 2025 : Renowned climate activist and innovator Sonam Wangchuk began a 35-day hunger strike in Leh, demanding statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. The protest, supported by the Leh Apex Body (LAB), is a peaceful appeal against what Wangchuk described as continued neglect by the central government.
Wangchuk announced the strike would last initially for 35 days and may be extended if the Union Government fails to address the demands. He also called for a CBI inquiry into the functioning of the Ladakh administration. An all-faith prayer service marked the start of the fast, attended by LAB leaders and local residents.
He accused the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) of halting dialogue with Ladakh’s leadership two months ago, just as core discussions on statehood and the Sixth Schedule were about to begin. Although the MHA had previously held talks with the LAB and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), Wangchuk alleged that negotiations have stalled without explanation.
With the Leh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) elections approaching in October, Wangchuk reminded voters of the BJP’s unfulfilled promises in the 2019 and 2020 elections regarding Sixth Schedule inclusion.
Wangchuk emphasized his peaceful protest was intended to protect Ladakh’s future, especially after the Ladakh administration controversially canceled the land allotment for his Himalayan Institute of Alternative Learning (HIAL), citing non-utilization of the land.
