Apex Body to meet BJP leaders
Tsewang Rigzin
LEH, Aug 24: Apex Body of People’s Movement for Sixth Schedule for Ladakh has announced a month-long padyatra from Ladakh to Delhi, scheduled from September 1 to October 2, to press the Government of India regarding Ladakh’s demands.
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Chering Dorjey Lakruk, co-chairman of the Leh Apex Body, disclosed this at a press conference here today where he was joined by other Apex Body members from various communities and political parties, excluding the BJP. Renowned climate activist and innovator Sonam Wangchuk, who had earlier announced a 28-day hunger strike in support of Ladakh’s four-point agenda, was also present.
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According to Chering Dorjey, representatives from the Kargil Democratic Alliance will join the peaceful march in Delhi. He said that Leh’s leaders are compelled to undertake this action because the Government of India is yet to invite Ladakhi leaders for discussions in Delhi which is overdue.
Dorjey informed the if less than 100 volunteers are registered for the padyatra by or before September 1, then it may have to be postponed to be started on a fresh date.
Meanwhile, Apex Body is scheduled to have a meeting with Ladakh BJP leaders on Sunday in Leh. The BJP has so far distanced itself from the four-point agenda, which includes the Sixth Schedule for Ladakh and Statehood.
Wangchuk said that Ladakhi leaders have chosen non-violent protest methods, such as hunger strikes and peace marches, inspired by Mahatma Gandhi. Agreeing to postpone his 28-day hunger strike at the request of the Apex Body, Wangchuk proposed a ‘Dilli Chalo’ padyatra from Leh to Delhi, like Gandhi’s famous ‘Dandi, to be concluded on October 2, Gandhi Jayanti.
During this peaceful march, Ladakhi leaders intend to raise awareness about environmental issues affecting the fragile ecology of the Himalayas, as well as Ladakh’s demands.
Earlier in March, Wangchuk conducted a 21-day hunger strike to support Ladakh’s demands for Statehood, Sixth Schedule, an additional Lok Sabha seat, and addressing unemployment in the Union Territory of Ladakh. The hunger strike was continued by thousands of volunteers from various communities for up to 66 days. The strike was temporarily suspended because of the Lok Sabha elections. Leaders of Leh promised that the movement would resume after a new Government takes over. The Kargil Democratic Alliance also supported these demands, with leaders in Kargil observing a five-day hunger strike in support of Wangchuk.
In July, following the formation of the new Central Government, Wangchuk threatened to undertake a 28-day fast starting on Independence Day if the Government did not invite Ladakhi leaders for discussions. However, the Apex Body of Leh requested Wangchuk to postpone his hunger strike until the outcome of negotiations with the Government of India becomes clear. “We are hopeful that the Government of India will respond positively and engage in constructive discussions. However, if the outcome is unfavorable, the Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance will escalate our agitation efforts and may require your continued support, including the resumption of your hunger strike,” the Apex Body communicated to Wangchuk.
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