Ladakh Statehood Hunger Strike Enters Day 7, Protesters Assert Neutral Stance

Quick Summary

• Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk is on the seventh day of his 35-day hunger strike in Leh,demanding Ladakh’s inclusion under the Constitution’s Sixth Schedule and Statehood.
• Over 100 people from remote border villages joined the protest.
• The Leh Apex Body (LAB) has opted too keep the movement apolitical, requesting Congress-affiliated members to step down.
• LAB president Cherring Dorjay Lakruk stated constitutional safeguards and Statehood remain non-negotiable; protests will continue even if Union Home Ministry resumes talks.
• Former BJP MP Thupstan chhewang rejoined LAB after resigning earlier citing “individual agendas.”
• Protests align with longstanding demands after Ladakh became a Union Territory following Jammu & Kashmir’s bifurcation in 2019 under Article 370 revocation.
• President Droupadi Murmu recently notified policies for ladakh including an 85% reservation for domiciles in government jobs but did not address full tribal status or statehood demands.
• Elections for the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Progress Council are expected in October-November.

Image:
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indian Opinion Analysis

The ongoing protests led by Sonam Wangchuk and increasing public participation underscore unresolved grievances related to constitutional safeguards and Statehood for Ladakh. LAB’s decision to keep the movement apolitical may help unify diverse factions while distancing it from partisan influences.However, key issues like tribal status under Sixth Schedule remain contentious despite recent policy revisions favoring residents’ economic opportunities.

With elections for local governance nearing, this heightened public mobilization could influence political campaigns and voter priorities. Any delay or ambiguity from authorities regarding resuming talks or addressing core demands may escalate tensions further. Balancing developmental goals with cultural preservation remains at the center of this debate-a vital factor given ladakh’s unique geographic location bordering China.

Read more: The Hindu