The ongoing struggle between Sonam Wangchuk, a prominent Ladakhi activist, and the Indian government has drawn significant attention. Wangchuk's fight for greater autonomy and protections for Ladakh's indigenous population raises critical questions about governance and representation in the region.
Understanding the Sixth Schedule
The Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, under Article 244, is designed to provide certain protections for land and a degree of autonomy for citizens in designated tribal areas. In Ladakh, where over 97% of the population belongs to Scheduled Tribes, this provision is particularly relevant. However, on August 5, 2019, the central government revoked Jammu and Kashmir's special status, bifurcating it into two Union Territories. This move raised alarms among Ladakh residents regarding their land rights, cultural identity, and livelihoods.
While Wangchuk's hunger strike has ended, his fight continues as he seeks to ensure that the voices of Ladakhis are heard.
But first, who is Sonam Wangchuk?
Sonam Wangchuk is an engineer and innovator known for his sustainable practices and community-driven reforms. In 2018, he was awarded the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award for his efforts to improve educational systems in remote northern India, thereby enhancing opportunities for Ladakhi youth. He is also famously believed to have inspired Aamir Khan’s character in the film 3 Idiots.
Wangchuk has been vocal about the need for increased autonomy in Ladakh's administration and has actively campaigned for protections under the Sixth Schedule since the revocation of special status.
The march to Delhi
On September 1, 2024, Wangchuk and about 120 supporters embarked on a peaceful foot march from Ladakh to Delhi. Organized by the Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance, their goal was to reach Rajghat by October 2 to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and simply present their demands to the central government. However, just before reaching Delhi, they were detained at the Singhu border due to restrictions on gatherings. Despite their peaceful intentions, Wangchuk and his group were held for nearly 36 hours.
Indefinite hunger strike
After being denied permission for a demonstration at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, Wangchuk’s group began an indefinite hunger strike at Ladakh Bhawan. They briefly halted their fast after receiving promises of a meeting with top government officials within two days. However, when no response came, they resumed their protest.
Wangchuk had submitted a memorandum to the Union government urging constitutional protections for Ladakh and requesting discussions within 15 days, but no resolution has been reached.
Previous efforts
This isn’t Wangchuk's first attempt at advocacy. In March 2024, during a meeting with Home Minister Amit Shah, he was offered protections similar to those under Article 371 for Ladakh. However, Shah ruled out Sixth Schedule protections. Following this meeting, Wangchuk undertook a 21-day fast in Leh under harsh freezing conditions with just salt and water.
He had also planned a ‘Pashmina march’ towards the China border but canceled it after warnings from authorities about potential legal restrictions under Section 144. During this time, he highlighted issues faced by pashmina shepherds related to land loss and external pressures from Chinese activities near the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Concerns over livelihoods
Local residents express deep concerns about their land and livelihoods under central rule. One notable issue is a proposed 13-gigawatt energy project that requires 61,000 acres of land. This project threatens traditional migration routes for the Changpa community and their access to pastureland. The plan includes generating 9 gigawatts of solar power and 4 gigawatts of wind power, which would be transmitted to Haryana. However, it remains unclear whether this project will be managed by the government or handed over to private firms.
Residents fear that such developments could transform Ladakh into a tourist destination dominated by large buildings and industrial pollution rather than preserving its unique culture and environment.
The ongoing dialogue between Sonam Wangchuk and the Indian government highlights significant issues surrounding autonomy, cultural preservation, and sustainable development in Ladakh. As residents continue to voice their concerns about land rights and governance, it remains crucial for the central government - led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah - to engage meaningfully with local leaders like Wangchuk.
The future of Ladakh depends not only on political decisions but also on ensuring that the voices of its people are heard and respected in shaping their own destiny.
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