Friends of Ladakh in city fast in support of Wangchuk

50+ Bengalureans that include Ladakhis stand in solidarity with activist, who has been demanding 6th schedule status to his homeland to safeguard interests of tribals

Friends of Ladakh - Bengaluru organised a one day fast at Freedom Park in the city, supporting Sonam Wangchuk in his fight acquiring 6th schedule for Ladakh.

In support of the cause, more than 50 residents of Bengaluru (friends of Ladakh Bengaluru) which included the community of Ladakhis residing in Bengaluru, especially students, came together at Freedom Park for a silent fast to showcase their solidarity to Sonam Wangchuk and the people of Ladakh.

Speaking about Ladakh, many students threw light on how climate change has impacted their homeland, leading to their self sufficiency being taken away from them. They also highlighted how Ladakhis are unable to progress and develop due to lack of power and representation among government bodies. George Joseph, who was part of some length of the pad yatra by Sonam Wangchuk and was detained in Delhi, shared his experience inspiring everyone.

Namratha, coordinating Friends of Ladakh meetups in Bengaluru, said, “It’s important for the government and people to understand how unsustainable changes can lead to climate change that can affect the entirety of humanity. It’s important to stand together and protect the environment.”

KS Anil, an advocate residing in Bengaluru who was the supporting pillar in organising the gathering, pointed to the need for the government to hear their concerns. He said, “The Supreme Court judgement says the right to a healthy environment and the right to be free from the adverse effects or climate change, is a fundamental right.”

Ironically, Sonam Wangchuk along with 20 other individuals, were taken into custody by the Delhi Police for engaging in a protest outside the Ladakh Bhawan on Sunday, according to officials. The protesters, who were participating in a fast alongside Wangchuk, were apprehended and transported to the police station located at Mandir Marg. To ensure the maintenance of law and order, a substantial police presence was deployed to the area. Several protesters asserted that their actions did not constitute a protest, claiming instead that they were simply sitting in a peaceful manner.

Since Sonam Wangchuk began his protest, several others have joined him in his cause. According to Wangchuk, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is currently in power, made two promises to bring Ladakh, a union territory, under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. The first promise was made during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, where the BJP listed the implementation of the Sixth Schedule for Ladakh as one of its top three priorities in its manifesto for the region. The second promise was made before the 2020 local elections for the Hill Development Council in Ladakh, which the BJP won.

It’s important for the people and government to understand how unsustainable changes can lead to climate change that can affect humanity ­–Namratha, Friends of Ladakh

The Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution contains provisions for the administration of tribal areas in four northeastern states: Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram. It establishes autonomous councils that have legislative, judicial, executive, and financial powers to independently govern these areas. The main objective of the Sixth Schedule is to safeguard the interests of the tribal populations in these areas.