Wangchuk urges commitment to ‘cause’, hails region’s tradition of peaceful protest

Leh, Sept 02: In a bold and evocative appeal, renowned activist Sonam Wangchuk has galvanized public support for his campaign to protect Ladakh and the broader Himalayas, advocating for constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. Wangchuk’s impassioned plea underscores the pressing need for environmental conservation and administrative reforms to shield the region from the dual threats of climate change and rampant development.

Wangchuk’s campaign is manifesting in the form of the ambitious ‘Delhi Chalo Padayatra,’ a grueling journey spanning approximately 1,000 kilometers across some of the world’s highest mountain passes. The march, which has captivated national attention, involves traversing altitudes above 17,500 feet, demonstrating the participants’ unwavering commitment to their cause despite the challenging conditions.

On the second day of the Padayatra, the atmosphere among the marchers was buoyant, with many expressing optimism about the government’s response to their demands. They drew hopeful parallels between their campaign and the recent creation of five new districts in Ladakh, anticipating that similar positive actions might be forthcoming.

Wangchuk, while acknowledging the support he has garnered, emphasized that his focus is not on numerical counts but on genuine commitment to the cause. “I wish to see people who genuinely support the cause in hand, which will ensure a prosperous, peaceful, and safe Ladakh and India,” he stated. He lauded Ladakh’s tradition of peaceful protest, which he believes reflects the true spirit of Indian democracy and ethos.

The march has not been without its poignant moments. A particularly moving instance was the participation of an 87-year-old Ladakhi who, despite his age, walked 25 kilometers alongside the marchers, symbolizing the deep-rooted connection and dedication of the local population to their land.

Wangchuk has urged those unable to join the physical march to support the cause through peaceful means, including raising awareness about Ladakh’s fragile ecology and advocating for essential rights and safeguards. Among the demands are the implementation of the Sixth Schedule, a separate Public Service Commission for Ladakh, and the allocation of two Lok Sabha seats for the region.

As the Padayatra progresses, all eyes are on the journey to see if it will not only spotlight the urgent issues faced by Ladakh but also catalyze substantive changes to ensure a sustainable and protected future for the region.