Leh, June 2: Renowned engineer, education reformer, and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has warned that he may resume his hunger strike if the Centre fails to address key demands related to Ladakh’s governance and democratic representation.
The warning comes amid growing tensions between Ladakh-based civil society groups and the Central Government over the ongoing dialogue on the Union Territory’s constitutional and administrative future.
According to Wangchuk, an important provision included in a draft agreement prepared on May 22 was later removed, triggering fresh concerns among local stakeholders. He alleged that the deleted clause would have granted elected representatives greater authority than bureaucratic officials in matters concerning governance and decision-making in Ladakh.
Wangchuk argued that the removal of the provision undermines the democratic aspirations of the people of Ladakh and weakens the role of elected public representatives. He accused the authorities of diluting commitments made during discussions with local leaders and representatives.
Speaking on the issue, Wangchuk said the people of Ladakh had placed their trust in the ongoing negotiations and expected meaningful steps toward strengthening democratic institutions in the region. He warned that if the concerns raised by local groups continue to be ignored, the movement could enter a more intense phase, including prolonged protests and another hunger strike.
The activist also appealed to residents to remain united and prepared for a long democratic struggle aimed at securing greater safeguards for Ladakh’s people, environment, and governance structure.
The dispute is linked to broader demands raised by Ladakh-based organizations, including constitutional safeguards, protection of local resources, increased political representation, and greater autonomy in administrative affairs following the region’s conversion into a Union Territory in 2019.
So far, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs has not publicly responded to Wangchuk’s latest allegations regarding the draft agreement. However, the developments have once again brought the Ladakh issue into the national spotlight, with observers closely watching whether negotiations between the Centre and regional stakeholders can bridge the differences.
Political analysts believe that a renewed hunger strike by Wangchuk could intensify public pressure on the government and revive nationwide attention on Ladakh’s demands for greater democratic and constitutional protections.
