“Fight Still On”: Sonam Wangchuk Ends 21-Day ‘Climate Fast’ In Ladakh

Ladakh: Renowned climate activist Sonam Wangchuk concluded his 21-day hunger strike on Tuesday, marking the end of phase one of the movement for Ladakh’s statehood and Himalayan ecology protection. While Wangchuk emphasized that his hunger strike was over, the movement would persist as women protesters prepared to commence a ‘climate fast’ from the following day.

In his address to supporters, Wangchuk urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to fulfill commitments made to the people, citing BJP’s electoral promises and invoking the principle of ‘pran jaye par vachan na jaye’ (one may lose their life, but must not break their promise), associated with Lord Ram.

END 21st Day OF MY #CLIMATEFAST
I'll be back…
7000 people gathered today.
It was the end of the 1st leg of my fast. Btw 21 days was the longest fast Gandhi ji kept.
From tomorrow women's groups of Ladakh will take it forward with a 10 Days fast, then the youth, then the… pic.twitter.com/pozNiuPvyS

— Sonam Wangchuk (@Wangchuk66) March 26, 2024

Wangchuk’s hunger strike, staged in Leh’s sub-zero temperatures since March 6, stemmed from stalled talks regarding Ladakh’s statehood and its inclusion in the Sixth Schedule. The agitation, led by the Leh-based Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance, has garnered participation from approximately 60,000 residents out of Ladakh’s 300,000 populace.

Highlighting the urgency to protect Ladakh’s fragile ecosystem and indigenous cultures, Wangchuk emphasized the need to rouse the consciousness of Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah.

The movement’s resolve remains firm as it seeks to address critical issues concerning Ladakh’s future and ecological sustainability.