SRINAGAR: After a gruelling 66-day hunger strike advocating for statehood and constitutional protection for Ladakh, environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk has declared its conclusion. The decision comes ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, with a commitment to maintaining peace during the electoral process.
According to reports, Wangchuk, accompanied by supporters from the Leh Apex Body, stressed the importance of ensuring a smooth electoral process without disruptions. With only 10 days left until the elections, he underscored the need to avoid complications arising from the ongoing hunger strike.
“We do not want any problems during the elections. Therefore, we are ending the strike for now,” Wangchuk stated. He expressed hope that Ladakh’s statehood and constitutional safeguard issues would be addressed through the democratic process of voting and subsequent government actions.
Reiterating the core objectives of the hunger strike, Wangchuk emphasised its primary purpose. “Our strike was to safeguard the culture, environment, and identity of the people of Ladakh,” he remarked.
The hunger strike, which commenced in March and persisted for over two months, received widespread support from various sectors of Ladakhi society.
In March, Wangchuk initiated a 21-day hunger strike, concluding on March 26. The movement gained momentum as youth, women, Buddhist monks, and elders in Leh joined in solidarity, staging consecutive days of hunger strikes in support of Wangchuk’s cause.
While the hunger strike has been temporarily suspended, Wangchuk reiterated the readiness to resume protests if necessary in the future. (KNO)
