On March 6, Sonam Wangchuk, a renowned mechanical engineer and Ramon Magsaysay awardee, launched a 21-day fast unto death to demand constitutional protections for Ladakh. Wangchuk, a resident of Ladakh and a prominent climate activist, has long advocated for the preservation of the region’s unique ecological and cultural heritage. His fast is a protest against the lack of legislative representation and unchecked industrialization that threatens Ladakh’s delicate environment and tribal communities.
The issue dates back to 2019 when Ladakh was granted Union Territory status, a move initially welcomed by its residents as it promised greater local control. However, nearly five years later, Ladakh still lacks a Legislative Assembly, leaving its people without a voice in the governance of their own land. This absence of public representation has sidelined a central demand of Ladakh’s residents: the protection of the region’s fragile ecology and Indigenous culture.
Ladakh, known for its stunning glacial lakes, is facing increasing water stress due to changing climate patterns. The region’s residents are deeply concerned about the impact of unplanned industrial projects and the growing influx of tourists, which are placing immense pressure on the already scarce natural resources. Wangchuk and the people of Ladakh are clear in their opposition to these developmental projects, arguing that they threaten the region’s ecological balance and the traditional way of life.
Wangchuk and his fellow activists are demanding the extension of the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution to Ladakh. The Sixth Schedule is designed to protect the rights of Indigenous and tribal communities, allowing them to make decisions on critical issues like land, forests, water, and mining. For a region where 97 percent of the population is tribal, this protection is crucial. The activists are also calling for the formation of a Legislative Assembly and the appointment of a Chief Minister to ensure that power is transferred from the Lieutenant Governor to locally elected representatives.
The #FriendsOfLadakh movement, led by Wangchuk, is calling on citizens across India to stand in solidarity with Ladakh. This is not just a local issue; it is a national concern that affects the future of one of India’s most ecologically and culturally significant regions. By amplifying the voices of Ladakh’s Indigenous people, we can help protect their homeland from irreversible damage.