Apex Body extends full support to Sonam Wangchuk’s 35-day fast-unto-death from July 15
Arteev Sharma
Jammu: With the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) yet to respond to the demand for holding dialogue by July 15 on Ladakh’s core issues—Statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule, Leh Apex Body (LAB) is set to hold a crucial strategy meeting in Leh tomorrow. The meeting, as proposed, will bring together stakeholders including Nambardars, Gobas presidents, and block-level representatives from across the district to chalk out the future course of action.
The meeting gains significance as it comes just a couple of days before renowned climate activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk is scheduled to begin a 35-day-long hunger strike in support of Ladakh’s constitutional demands.
Wangchuk, who was recently inducted into both the LAB and the MHA-constituted High Powered Committee (HPC), had earlier staged a 21-day fast in March and a 16-day fast in October 2024 over the same issues. The meeting also coincided with the arrival of the Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, in Leh tomorrow.
The meeting also comes in the backdrop of the recent resignation of LAB chairman and HPC member Thupstan Chhewang, who stepped down from all roles. LAB members visited Chhewang at his residence earlier this week to convey a “strong and united message” urging him to reconsider. While he did not withdraw his resignation, Chhewang reportedly told the delegation he would “reflect on the matter and respond at an appropriate time”.
“We have decided to hold a meeting with all stakeholders across Leh district to devise our future strategy as the MHA has not responded to our request for dialogue by July 15,” Chering Dorjay Lakrook, veteran Buddhist leader and co-chairman of LAB, told The News Now.
Though reports suggested that the MHA had proposed July 28 for the next round of talks with LAB and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), Ladakhi leaders rejected the offer, calling it “too late.” They argued that any meaningful dialogue must take place before July 15 to dissuade Wangchuk from proceeding with his fast.
“We requested that the meeting be held around July 15 so that a constructive dialogue might persuade Wangchuk to call off his hunger strike,” Dorjay added. “However, the MHA has not responded to this proposal.”
In the meantime, LAB issued a statement pledging unanimous support for Wangchuk’s upcoming fast. It urged all village-level representatives to hold consultations and coordinate civil action across Leh district during the protest period.
“This is a crucial moment in Ladakh’s journey towards constitutional justice and democratic empowerment,” the statement read. “We appeal to the people of Ladakh: If you wish to express solidarity and join the voluntary fast alongside Sonam Wangchuk, you are welcome to step forward.”
The LAB reiterated that the demands for Statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule remain non-negotiable and called on the people to remain united in the pursuit of constitutional rights.
“We remain hopeful that the people of Ladakh will unite in strength and spirit, standing firm with the Apex Body and our shared demands,” the statement concluded.
