Sonam Wangchuk, a prominent advocate advocating for constitutional safeguards for Ladakh, declared on Tuesday that the proposed “fast unto death” protest will be reassessed next week based on discussions with the Centre concerning Ladakh’s demands, particularly statehood. Depending on the negotiation outcomes, a significant public gathering is planned in Leh City on February 26 to express appreciation if the government acknowledges Ladakh’s demands or to initiate a hunger strike until death if the talks prove unsuccessful.
Mr. Wangchuk expressed, “We will call a very big public gathering in Leh city on February 26 to either thank the government for accepting the demands of the people of Ladakh or go for a fast unto death in case the talks fail.” The Ladakh leadership temporarily suspended the “fast unto death” initiative following recent talks with the central government, deeming the development crucial. The Centre agreed to engage in discussions about Ladakh’s statehood, inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, and the establishment of an exclusive public service commission for the region.
A joint sub-committee will be constituted to delve into the specifics of these demands. Mr. Wangchuk emphasized, “We will wait till the February 24 meeting of the sub-committee and the return of our leaders to Leh on February 25. We will call a very big public gathering the next day in Leh city to either thank the government for meeting our demands or start our fast unto death in case the talks fail.”
The delegation’s demands include two Lok Sabha seats, one for Kargil and one for Leh, and employment opportunities for Union Territory residents. Currently, Ladakh holds one Lok Sabha seat. The region, formerly part of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, attained Union Territory status after the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019.
In December, the High Powered Committee for Ladakh, chaired by Union Minister Nityanand Rai, is entrusted with deliberations on measures to safeguard the region’s unique culture, language, and other developmental aspects. The commitment was made during a meeting convened with the HPC for Ladakh. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) established the HPC for Ladakh, chaired by Rai, with a directive to discuss necessary measures for safeguarding the region’s distinctive culture and language, taking into account its geographical location and strategic significance.
The HPC’s formation extends to safeguarding land and employment, implementing strategies for comprehensive development and job creation in the area, taking actions for the empowerment of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils (LAHDCs) of Leh and Kargil, and examining constitutional safeguards to ensure the mentioned measures and protections.
Numerous organizations in Ladakh had persistently advocated for a distinct Union Territory for the region over several decades, a demand that materialized on August 5, 2019. However, in recent times, the KDA and the ABL staged protests at various locations, including New Delhi, Jammu, and Ladakh, emphasizing their primary demands.