The Leh Apex Body (LAB), a prominent organization involved in discussions with the central government regarding Ladakh‘s aspirations, has voiced significant concern over the declining health and safety of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk. Wangchuk was transferred from the Jantar Mantar protest site to Safdarjung Hospital in New Delhi earlier on Saturday.
Gelek Phunchok, a convenor for the LAB, conveyed the organization’s deep apprehension regarding Wangchuk’s well-being to The Tribune. “His well-being remains our foremost concern, and the people of Ladakh continue to pray for his speedy recovery,” Phunchok stated. Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that the news of Wangchuk being taken to Safdarjung Hospital, reportedly against his wishes, has amplified the unease among the Ladakhi populace.
Phunchok further elaborated that the LAB believes such a critical situation could have been navigated more effectively through open dialogue, fostering mutual trust, and engaging in democratic processes. The Leh Apex Body had initially planned to travel to the capital to personally appeal to Wangchuk to end his hunger strike. However, they had postponed this visit out of respect for his request that no delegation should approach him at that particular juncture. Nevertheless, in light of his deteriorating health condition, the organization was preparing to undertake a visit on July 20.
The Leh Apex Body extended its prayers for Wangchuk’s swift recovery and issued an appeal to the Union Government to maintain constructive engagement with all relevant stakeholders. They urged the government to fulfill existing commitments made to Ladakh and to address broader concerns pertaining to reforms within the education system. The organization emphasized that dialogue, adherence to democratic values, and prompt action represent the most effective pathways toward achieving a peaceful and enduring resolution to the ongoing issues.
Dr. Ishey Namgyal, the general secretary of the Ladakh Buddhist Association, corroborated the widespread concern across Ladakh regarding Wangchuk’s health. “People are worried about his health condition,” Dr. Namgyal remarked, expressing hope that the government would take necessary measures to ensure his safety. Wangchuk has been on a hunger strike at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi for the past twenty days. This current protest follows a similar fast he led in Leh last year, which aimed to advocate for Ladakh’s inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution and for the region’s statehood. That earlier fast concluded amidst unrest that erupted during the protest.
Sonam Wangchuk, the son of the late Sonam Wangyal, a distinguished Ladakhi politician and former minister in the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, has a history of advocating for Ladakh’s rights. His father, Sonam Wangyal, also led a hunger strike in 1984, demanding Scheduled Tribe status for Ladakh. The current situation underscores the deep-seated concerns and the significant public attention surrounding Wangchuk’s health and his ongoing advocacy for the region’s political and constitutional status. The LAB’s statement highlights a perceived gap between the urgency of the situation and the approach taken by authorities, emphasizing the need for more direct and trust-based engagement.
The LAB’s call for constructive dialogue and timely action points to a broader sentiment within Ladakh that the region’s demands require more than just procedural discussions. The organization’s planned visit, though postponed, indicates a proactive approach to finding a resolution, prioritizing Wangchuk’s health while simultaneously pursuing the larger political objectives. The reference to reforms in the education system suggests that the demands extend beyond constitutional status to encompass developmental and structural changes within Ladakh. The involvement of the Ladakh Buddhist Association further signifies the broad community support for Wangchuk’s cause and the shared anxiety over his health. The historical context of his father’s activism also frames Wangchuk’s current actions within a legacy of persistent advocacy for Ladakhi rights and recognition. The situation at Jantar Mantar, therefore, is not merely an isolated protest but a continuation of a long-standing movement for regional autonomy and development, now amplified by the critical health of its prominent leader.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.
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