Ladakh agitation: Kargil leaders to join Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike in Leh
Leh: The Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) has announced to join the hunger strike by Ladakhi environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk from tomorrow in Leh town of Ladakh region in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike entered the 18th day today. He has been braving extreme sub-zero temperature under open skies along with his supporters to push for key demands of the people of Ladakh. Hundreds of supporters have been joining him on day-long hunger strike on daily basis.
Announcing the KDA’s support to Sonam Wangchuk, Sajjad Hussain, one of the key members of the Kargil-based Alliance, said that the group will join the environmental activist from March 24 to 27.
He said that the talks with the BJP led Indian government have failed to address their demands of inclusion of Ladakh in Sixth Schedule and grant of statehood to the region. He said that New Delhi did not adhere to the promises made to the people of Ladakh and nothing concrete happened in the previous meetings between the two sides.
“The issue of statehood and Sixth Schedule are close to the hearts of Ladakhis. It is not just our demand. It is a popular sentiment and aspiration of people of Ladakh and we will take this struggle to its logical conclusion,” Sajjad said.
Besides the above mentioned two demands, the LAB [Leh Apex Body]-KDA combine, which has been leading the talks with the Indian government, was also seeking job reservation policy in the administration for locals of Ladakh and a parliamentary seat each for the Leh and Kargil districts.
