An imminent review of the proposed “fast unto death” protest is on the horizon, as declared by Leh luminary Sonam Wangchuk. The evaluation hinges on the forthcoming deliberations with the Centre, encompassing a spectrum of demands, notably the conferment of statehood upon the Union Territory.
Wangchuk articulated, “A significant juncture awaits us on February 26 in Leh city. It will either be an occasion to express gratitude for the government’s acquiescence to Ladakh’s populace or a catalyst for embarking on a fast unto death, should the parley prove futile.” The hunger strike, initially slated to commence on Tuesday in support of these demands, is contingent upon the outcomes of the impending discussions, delineated Wangchuk in conversation with PTI.
The leadership from Ladakh, currently encamped in the national capital, opted to temporarily suspend the “fast unto death” initiative after a recent discourse with the central government on Monday. Characterizing this development as consequential, they revealed that the Centre has acceded to in-depth discussions regarding Ladakh’s statehood, incorporation of the Union Territory in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, and the establishment of a dedicated public service commission for the high-altitude region.
This accord materialized during a meeting between the High Powered Committee (HPC) for Ladakh, spearheaded by Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai, and a 14-member delegation representing the Apex Body of Leh (ABL) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), voicing the concerns of various organizations within the Union Territory.
Further resolutions included the formation of a collaborative sub-committee tasked with delving into the intricacies of the stipulated demands. “Pending the February 24 assembly of the sub-committee and the return of our leaders to Leh on February 25, a sizable public congregation is slated for the ensuing day in Leh city. This congregation shall either extend gratitude for the government’s compliance with our demands or precipitate the initiation of our fast unto death, should the negotiations falter,” affirmed Wangchuk, a laureate of the Ramon Magsaysay Award.
The delegation’s demands encompass two Lok Sabha seats, one each for Kargil and Leh, alongside employment opportunities tailored for the residents of the Union Territory. Currently endowed with a single Lok Sabha seat, Ladakh, formerly part of Jammu and Kashmir, no longer boasts any assembly constituency following the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019.
Assurances from the BJP-led Centre, conveyed to the Ladakh delegation in December, underscored a steadfast commitment to expediting the Union Territory’s development and aligning with the aspirations of its populace. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs established the HPC for Ladakh under Rai’s leadership, entrusted with delving into measures for safeguarding the region’s unique cultural and linguistic identity, factoring in its strategic importance and geographical location.
The HPC’s purview extends to protective measures for land and employment, initiatives for inclusive development and job creation, empowerment of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils (LAHDCs) of Leh and Kargil, and constitutional safeguards to underpin the aforementioned measures. The region’s longstanding demand for a distinct Union Territory, fulfilled on August 5, 2019, saw recent protests by the KDA and ABL in various locations, amplifying their key demands in New Delhi, Jammu, and Ladakh.