Tsewang Rigzin
LEH, Sept 1: The much-awaited ‘Padyatra’ called ‘Delhi Chalo’ began today from NDS Memorial Park in Leh. Chairman of the Leh Apex Body, Thupstan Chhewang, flagged off the ‘Padyatra’ in the presence of hundreds of yatris and supporters. Co-chairman of the Leh Apex Body and President of the Ladakh Buddhist Association, Chering Dorje, was also present to join the peaceful march.
Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp
Among the hundreds joining the Padyatra are religious heads from different communities, political and social activists, as well as many elderly people and oungsters. More than 1000 people gathered to see of the volunteers in the Padyatra. The Day-1 of the Yatra will halt at Rambirpur and start from there the next day.
Click here to watch video
The peaceful march, organized by the Leh Apex Body of the People’s Movement for the Sixth Schedule for Ladakh, is being led by renowned environmentalist and innovator Sonam Wangchuk. Wangchuk had earlier announced a 28-day hunger strike in support of Ladakh’s four-point agenda. However, after agreeing to postpone his hunger strike at the request of the Apex Body, Wangchuk proposed a ‘Delhi Chalo’ Padyatra from Leh to Delhi, akin to Gandhi’s famous ‘Dandi March,’ to be concluded on October 2, Gandhi Jayanti. Members of the Kargil Democratic Alliance are expected to join the peaceful march in Delhi.
Tsering Namgyal, 75, who hails from Domkhar village, said he will walk all the way to Delhi for Ladakh’s future as he is concerned about Ladakh and the future of its coming generations in the absence of safeguards. “I’m worried about the rising unemployment in the region as well,” he said.
The Padyatra is being held to draw the attention of the Government of India to Ladakh’s demands, which include granting Statehood, implementing the Sixth Schedule, setting up a Public Service Commission, and creating an additional Lok Sabha seat for Ladakh.
Earlier in March, Wangchuk conducted a 21-day hunger strike to support Ladakh’s demands. The hunger strike was continued by thousands of volunteers from various communities for up to 66 days. The strike was suspended as the Lok Sabha elections approached. Leaders in Leh promised that the movement will resume after a new Government takes office. The Kargil Democratic Alliance also supported these demands, with leaders in Kargil observing a five-day hunger strike in support of Wangchuk.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
