Noted activist Sonam Wangchuk to launch march to highlight Ladakhis’ demands
Leh: Sonam Wangchuk, a well known environmentalist and climate activist from Ladakh region of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, has called for a march on April 7 in support of the demands of the people of the region.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Sonam Wangchuk ended his 21-day-long hunger strike in support of statehood for Ladakh, its inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution and other demands on Tuesday evening.
Addressing a massive rally at a stadium in Leh, Wangchuk said that he has ended his 21-day climate fast but it is not end of struggle. With passage of time people of Ladakh including Kargil and Leh will continue their protests till their demands were fulfilled, he added.
He said, “On April 7, we will launch a march to Changthang (in the east of Leh)”. He said the Leh-based Apex body will lead the march to highlight the ground realities of Ladakh.
Sonam Wangchuk said that he wanted to remind the BJP-led Indian government of their promises made to safeguard the Ladakh’s environment and tribal indigenous culture.
Sonam Wangchuk also said if the Modi government stops the march scheduled on April 7 then people of Leh will start ‘Jail Bharo Tehreek. “Even a step further we will go for non-cooperation movement to press for our rights for which we are ready”, he added.
Speaking on the occasion, Leh Apex Body (LAB) senior leader, Chering Dorjay Lakruk said that besides the April 7 march, regular hunger strike by the people in support of Statehood and Sixth Schedule among others will continue. Sit-ins will be held separately on different days by women, students and youth, he added.
In Kargil, the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) held a massive rally attended by hundreds of people. Addressing the rally, the KDA leaders said that the protests will be further expanded after the Ramadhan. The future course of action will be decided after meeting with LAB, they said.
