Activist Sonam Wangchuk’s 1,000-KM Walk for Ladakh’s Autonomy

Foot March to Reach Delhi on Gandhi Jayanti, with Four Demands

Newsreel Asia Insight #319
September 5, 2024

Photo by Mayur Joshi on Unsplash

More than 100 volunteers, led by climate activist and innovator Sonam Wangchuk, are part of a month-long 1,000-kilometre walk from Ladakh to Delhi. The journey, called the “Delhi Chalo Padyatra” and which started on Sept. 1, aims to revive discussions on Ladakh’s four-point agenda after talks with the central government stalled in March.

Ladakh, often called the “Land of High Passes,” sits in the far north of India, right up against the borders with China and Pakistan. It’s a place where Tibetan Buddhist traditions shape the culture, which you can see in the old monasteries and lively festivals. The region’s harsh, rugged terrain and extreme weather conditions also define its ecological distinctiveness, supporting diverse wildlife including the snow leopard and ibex.

The people of Ladakh have expressed dissatisfaction with the central government’s governance approach, particularly after the region was designated a Union Territory without a legislature following the bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir in 2019. This change led to a governance structure that relies heavily on bureaucratic administration, which local leaders believe does not adequately represent the will and needs of the Ladakhi people.

Organised by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), the march aims to draw attention to Ladakh’s four-point agenda. This includes advocating for statehood, applying the Constitution’s Sixth Schedule to the region, establishing a Public Service Commission to oversee recruitment processes, and creating separate Lok Sabha seats for the Leh and Kargil districts.

The people of Ladakh view statehood as a route to enhanced self-governance, enabling elected representation and more localised decision-making to address the unique cultural and ecological needs and aspirations of the region.

The Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution allows for the creation of autonomous districts in certain tribal areas, giving them greater authority over land use, public health and agriculture. This autonomy also helps protect their cultural heritage and social practices, preserving their way of life against external pressures and influences.

The establishment of a Public Service Commission in Ladakh would standardise and potentially enhance the recruitment processes for government jobs within the region. This is particularly crucial for ensuring fair and transparent employment opportunities for the local population. Such a body would help adapt job criteria and examinations to respect the local context and needs.

Currently, the entire region of Ladakh is represented by a single Member of Parliament in the Lok Sabha, which may not fully reflect the diverse interests and issues of its two main districts, Leh and Kargil. Providing separate representation for each district in the lower house of Parliament would more effectively address the specific needs, cultural aspects and political issues of each district at the national level.

The elders, women and youngsters who are participating in the march, which started from NDS Memorial Park in Leh and will travel through Himachal Pradesh, are hopeful of receiving positive news from the central government by the time they reach Delhi on Oct. 2, Gandhi Jayanti, marking the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, as reported by The Hindu.

Wangchuk undertook a 21-day hunger strike in March.