Kargil, Mar 27: Noted environmentalist and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who ended his 21-day climate fast on Tuesday, has called for a march on April 7 in support of his demands.
Wangchuk observed ‘climate fast’ in sub-zero temperatures since March 6, a day after talks between joint representatives of Leh-based Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), which are jointly demanding Statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion in the Sixth Schedule, and the Central Government hit a deadlock.
Wangchuk who addressed a massive rally at NDS Stadium Leh on Wednesday and said that he has ended his 21-day climate fast but it is not the end of the struggle. He added that in passed manners the people of Ladakh including Kargil and Leh will continue their protests. While announcing the march on April 7, Sonam Wangchuk said that he wanted to remind government of India of their promises to safeguard the Ladakh’s environment and tribal indigenous culture.
Sonam Wangchuk, said if the government stops their march scheduled on April 7 then people of Leh will start Jail Bharo andolan. ” We are following the great Mahatma Gandhi’s non violence movement and to carry it forward we will go for Jail Bharo Andolan if we were stopped from taking out the march on April 7. Even a step further we will go for non cooperation movement to press for our rights for which we are ready” Wangchuk said.
Similarly, Leh Apex Body senior leader Chering Dorjay Lakruk said that “we proposed to hold march on April 7.” Lakruk said regular hunger strike by the people in support of Statehood and Sixth Schedule among others will continue. Dharnas will be held separately on different days by women, students, youth besides others
In Kargil, the Kargil Democratic Alliance held a massive rally attended by hundreds of people. The KDA leaders said that the protests will intensity after the Ramadhan, adding that the future course of action will be decided after meeting with LAB. The rally was attended by KDA Co-chairman Qamar Ali Akhoon, Asgar Ali Karbalai, CEC LAHDC Kargil, Dr Jaffer Akhoon, Sajjad Hussain Kargili besides several religious and political leaders.