India: Climate activist, innovator Sonam Wangchuk ends 21-day hunger strike in Leh

Sonam Wangchuk, known for his activism in climate issues and innovation, ended his 21-day hunger strike in Ladakh on Tuesday. Wangchuk had been fasting in Leh, Ladakh, demanding statehood for the region and its inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.

"The first phase of the hunger strike is ending today but this is not the end of the agitation,” Wangchuk was quoted as saying by news agency PTI after taking a glass of juice from a minor girl here amid a massive turnout of people at the protest venue.

Wangchuk, a proponent of educational reforms, remarked that ceasing the hunger strike signifies the commencement of a fresh stage in the ongoing protest.

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"We will continue our struggle (in support of our demands). The gathering of 10,000 people at the venue and participation of over 60,000 others over the past 20 days are a testimony of the people's aspirations," he said.

Earlier in the day, Wangchuk posted a video on X platform, restating his appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah to safeguard the Himalayas and to implement the Sixth Schedule in Ladakh, aiming to protect the indigenous tribes.

He said in a post on X, "350 people slept in - 10°C. 5000 people in the day here. But still not a word from the government. We need statesmen of integrity, farsightedness & wisdom in this country & not just shortsighted characterless politicians. And I very much hope that @narendramodi ji & @AmitShah ji will soon prove that they are statesmen..."

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Furthermore, he urged people to use their voting rights in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections "with utmost care" for the benefit of the nation.

(With inputs from agencies)