On Sunday, October 6, climate activist Sonam Wangchuk commenced a hunger strike at the Ladakh Bhawan in New Delhi, following the denial of permission for a larger demonstration at Jantar Mantar. The protest seeks to demand Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh, aimed at safeguarding the region's cultural and environmental heritage.

In a post on X, Wangchuk shared, “So after trying everything possible to find a legitimate place for our anshan fast in New Delhi, we have finally decided to start our fast here at Ladakh Bhavan New Delhi where I was virtually detained for the last 4 days. Among us, we have 75-year-olds, women, and men who walked for 32 days from Leh to Delhi… roughly 1,000 km.”

Around 18 individuals, including Wangchuk, gathered near the gate of the Ladakh Bhawan, singing the Hindi version of “We Shall Overcome” and chanting slogans like "Bharat Mata Ki Jai," "Jai Ladakh," and "Save Ladakh, Save Himalaya."

Prior to starting his fast, Wangchuk addressed the media, expressing their frustration over struggling to find an alternative venue for their protest. He revealed that he had been in "virtual detention" at the Ladakh Bhawan since his release by the Delhi Police on October 2. At around 4 PM, Wangchuk stepped outside the Ladakh Bhawan to announce his decision to initiate the hunger strike.

Wangchuk, who has been a prominent voice in the movement advocating for the Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh, mentioned that they had received assurances of a meeting with top leaders, including the President, Prime Minister, or Home Minister. However, no appointments had been scheduled, which compelled them to sit on a fast. "When we ended our hunger strike at Rajghat on October 2, it was on the basis of the assurance that we would get an appointment from the Home Ministry to meet the country's senior leaders. We just want to meet our politicians, get assurance, and return to Ladakh," he stated.

Wangchuk took to X earlier in the day to express his discontent regarding the rejection of their request to protest at Jantar Mantar. "Another rejection, another frustration. Finally this morning we got this rejection letter for the officially designated place for protests," he lamented.

Wangchuk has been a key figure in the 'Delhi Chalo Padayatra,' which started in Leh a month ago. This march was organized by the Leh Apex Body, along with the Kargil Democratic Alliance, who have been advocating for the past four years for statehood for Ladakh, its inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, the establishment of a public service commission for Ladakh, and separate Lok Sabha seats for the Leh and Kargil districts.

On the previous day, a significant number of protesters returned to Ladakh, while others chose to remain and support Wangchuk in his hunger strike, emphasizing the ongoing commitment to their cause and the urgency of their demands.

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