Ladakh Activist Sonam Wangchuk on fast said he will continue till death and he plans to lead a march of 10,000 Ladakhis to the border with China Highlighting Land Loss due to Chinese Intrusion.
Leh, Ladakh - Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, currently on a 21-day hunger strike in Leh, has announced plans to lead a march of 10,000 Ladakhis to the border with China. The march aims to raise awareness of two critical issues: Chinese intrusion into Ladakhi territory and land acquisition by corporations.
Wangchuk, on the 15th day of his fast, has warned that he could continue until death. His primary focus, however, remains on environmental concerns. The Telegraph reports that the march is scheduled for March 27th, coinciding with the end of his hunger strike, but could be delayed due to health reasons.
Wangchuk alleges that both Indian industrialists and the Chinese army are taking over crucial grazing lands. "The nomadic communities, famous for their pashmina wool, are losing vast areas of the Changthang plains bordering Tibet," he said. "Corporates are setting up industries, possibly even future mines. There's already a massive 13-gigawatt solar plant, and they've lost roughly 150,000 square kilometers of prime pastureland to such projects."
The march, led by nomadic leaders, intends to document the extent of land lost for grazing purposes. "On the other hand," Wangchuk continued, "we have the Chinese army encroaching from the north." He cited BJP leader Subramanian Swamy's claim that India has lost 4,056 kilometers of territory in recent years.
Wangchuk acknowledges the possibility that security forces might impede the march. "If that happens," he said, "it will only prove that there's a lot they're trying to hide."
This protest adds to the ongoing movement in Ladakh demanding special status under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian constitution and full statehood for the Union Territory.
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