On its seventh day, the hunger strike spearheaded by prominent Ladakh activist Sonam Wangchuk saw a significant surge in participation, with over a hundred individuals from remote, China-bordering villages joining the demonstration in Leh.
The Leh Apex Body (LAB), which backs Mr. Wangchuk’s protest, explicitly stated its decision to maintain an ‘apolitical’ stance for the movement. Consequently, Congress party members who were associated with the initiative have been asked to resign.
Cherring Dorjay Lakruk, president of the influential Ladakh Buddhist Association (LAB) and co-convenor of the larger Leh Apex Body, affirmed that the protest will continue regardless of whether the Union Home Ministry resumes dialogues with the civil society group. He emphasized that their core demands for constitutional safeguards, including tribal status under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution and full statehood, remain non-negotiable.
In a notable development, Thupstan Chhewang, a former Bharatiya Janata Party Member of Parliament, has decided to rejoin the LAB. Chhewang had previously resigned in June, citing concerns over ‘individual agendas and competing interests’ within the talks with the Ministry.
This re-entry is particularly significant as it comes just before the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council elections, scheduled for October-November this year.
“Chhewang, who resigned a few days ago, is now back with LAB. He is one of the most respected leaders here, while Sonam Wangchuk serves as a key activist,” Mr. Lakruk conveyed to a reporter.
Since Ladakh’s designation as a Union Territory in 2019, following the abrogation of Article 370’s special status for Jammu and Kashmir and the subsequent bifurcation of the former State, various civil society organizations across Ladakh have staged numerous protests. These demonstrations consistently demand constitutional protections such as statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule to safeguard the region’s land, unique culture, and to ensure local employment opportunities.
After several rounds of negotiations, President Droupadi Murmu, on June 3, officially enacted four Regulations for the Union Territory of Ladakh. These regulations outline new policies regarding reservations, languages, domicile criteria, and the structure of the hill councils, importantly setting the stage for 85% job reservation for resident Ladakhis in government positions.
Mr. Lakruk further stated, “We have chosen to remain neutral during the upcoming elections. The government has indicated a willingness for the Home Ministry to resume talks if Sonam Wangchuk concludes his hunger strike. However, more people are steadily joining the protests; approximately 100 villagers from other areas have arrived and are ready to participate in the hunger strike.”
Earlier, in January 2023, continuous advocacy from groups in both Kargil and Leh led the government to establish a High-Powered Committee (HPC), chaired by Minister of State Nityanand Rai, to address these demands. The HPC held its most recent meeting on May 27, followed by a meeting between its members and Union Home Minister Amit Shah at his residence the following day.