After 26 days of fasting, activist Sonam Wangchuk and his supporters have finally ended their protest after receiving assurance from the Ministry of Home Affairs regarding talks on Ladakh's demands. The protest was organized by Wangchuk and others to demand Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh, which aims to protect its cultural and environmental heritage. The Ministry has assured that the high-powered committee, which was holding talks with representatives from Ladakh, will resume discussions on December 3.
Ladakh Protest: Wangchuk Ends Fast After Assurance of Talks on Demands
After a 26-day hunger strike, activist Sonam Wangchuk and his supporters have ended their protest following assurances from the Ministry of Home Affairs regarding ongoing discussions on Ladakh's demands.
Background:
Ladakh, a union territory in northern India, has been facing demands for greater autonomy and protection of its unique cultural and environmental heritage. The Sixth Schedule to the Indian Constitution grants special status to certain tribal areas, offering them greater autonomy and protection of their customs, land, and resources.
Wangchuk and other activists have been campaigning for Ladakh to be granted Sixth Schedule status, arguing that it is necessary to preserve the region's fragile ecosystem and cultural identity.
The Protest:
On September 26, 2023, Wangchuk and his supporters launched a hunger strike outside the Leh District Commissioner's office. They demanded that the government initiate talks on Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh and address other grievances, including:
Government Response:
Initially, the government appeared reluctant to engage with the protesters. However, after 26 days of fasting, the Ministry of Home Affairs issued a statement on October 22, 2023, assuring that the high-powered committee holding talks with Ladakh representatives would resume discussions on December 3.
End of Protest:
Satisfied with the government's assurance, Wangchuk and his supporters ended their hunger strike on October 23, 2023. They vowed to continue their campaign for Sixth Schedule status, but through peaceful and democratic means.
Top 5 FAQs:
1. What is Sixth Schedule status? Sixth Schedule status is granted to tribal areas in India, offering them greater autonomy and protection of their customs, land, and resources.
2. Why do Ladakhis demand Sixth Schedule status? Ladakhis believe that Sixth Schedule status is necessary to protect their fragile ecosystem, cultural identity, and traditional way of life.
3. What are the other grievances of Ladakhis? In addition to Sixth Schedule status, Ladakhis are demanding greater control over natural resources, environmental conservation measures, and protection of Ladakhi culture and language.
4. What is the government's response? The government has assured that it will continue talks with Ladakhi representatives on December 3 to discuss their demands.
5. What is the significance of Wangchuk's hunger strike? Wangchuk's hunger strike brought attention to the demands of Ladakhis and forced the government to engage in dialogue with them.
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