Post-MHA talks, Wangchuk calls for countrywide support to Ladakh padyatra
Srinagar, Sept 12 (UNI) Days after talks with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Leh Apex Body (LAB) member and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has appealed to people across the country to join the upcoming September 19-24 padyatra in support of Ladakh.
In a video message posted on X, Wangchuk said he was in Delhi for a meeting with the Home Ministry for a dialogue on the preservation of Ladakh's culture, nature and land. "Hello friends, cockroaches, how are you? I am in Delhi right now. And right next to the place where we spent many weeks with you. Staying hungry. Yes, Jantar Mantar. But don't worry. I am not here for any protest or fast. We came here from Ladakh for a meeting with the Home Ministry for a dialogue. The meeting has been going on for the preservation of Ladakh's culture, nature and land. …," Wangchuk said. He said that when he was asked about the September 9 meeting in New Delhi, he shared a video of famous comedian Jaspal Bhatti, saying the date for the next meeting has been fixed. Wangchuk said representatives of Ladakh had sought a legal assurance that the union Territory administration would refrain from taking major decisions affecting Ladakh until a democratic structure, including a legislative assembly, was established.
He alleged that the local authorities and the Lieutenant Governor's administration were continuing to take major decisions that could alter the character of Ladakh, despite the demand for greater democratic safeguards. "We had only expected a small legal assurance from the government," Wangchuk said, stressing that no major changes should be introduced in areas such as land and local governance until an elected democratic structure is put in place.
"And that's why we want you all to come to help us. Because we are going to do a big padyatra in Ladakh. From 19th September to 24th September. And if we get this assurance in a week. Then we will make it a memorable padyatra for our martyrs who gave their lives for Ladakh. Otherwise we will make it a big demonstration on behalf of the people of India. That justice should be done with Ladakh. Like it happens in every state. Those big decisions should be left to the people of Ladakh," he said.
Emphasising the wider importance of Ladakh, Wangchuk said the region is crucial for the country's environment and water resources and has historically played an important role in protecting India's borders. " Remember, this is not only for Ladakh. Ladakh is that place in the Himalayas from where your water also comes. ….This is place where people have protected the country without uniform, without salary in every war. So when the people of Ladakh protected the country and now the country needs to protect Ladakh. We have full hope. We will all meet in September 19 Ladakh," he said.
The founder of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), Abhijeet Dipke, extended support to Wangchuk, posting on social media: "Stand with Ladakh." On September 9, Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), held talks with the Ministry of Home Affairs' subcommittee in New Delhi. Following the meeting, Ladakh Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra said the Centre had agreed to the creation of a legislative body for the union Territory under Article 371.
