Amid heightened tensions in Leh, environmentalist and activist Sonam Wangchuk decided to end his 15-day hunger strike amid escalating clashes linked to the ongoing agitation for Ladakh’s political and constitutional safeguards.
Addressing his supporters, Wangchuk said he chose to end the strike to avoid further trouble and unrest, even as protests over the region’s demands intensified.
The agitation, led by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), has centered on four main demands:
- Statehood for Ladakh,
- Inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution to safeguard tribal rights,
- A separate public service commission
- Enhanced parliamentary representation.
Amid rising violence, authorities have imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), banning gatherings of five or more people in Leh.
Officials said the restrictions were necessary to prevent further clashes after incidents of arson and damage to property earlier this week.
