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| Ladakh: Wangchuk’s hunger strike enters 3rd day, leaders hesitate to join, await Chewang’s move | | |  Sandeep Bhat
Early Times Report
Leh, Sept 12: The hunger strike led by eminent environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk entered its third day today, drawing attention to pressing ecological and developmental concerns in the Ladakh region. While a handful of leaders from the Leh Apex Body (LAB) have thrown their weight behind the agitation, participation from broader political and religious circles remains limited, underscoring a cautious approach among many stakeholders.
Apart from former minister and ex-BJP leader Chering Dorjey, no other prominent political figure has actively joined the protest. Many of the region’s key leaders are observing developments from the sidelines, wary of aligning themselves with the movement without broader consensus. This reluctance is particularly noticeable among the Buddhist leadership, which plays an influential role in Ladakh’s socio-political landscape.
Several Buddhist leaders expressed sympathy for the environmental cause but pointed out the need for collective decision-making. “We appreciate the passion and commitment shown by Sonam Wangchuk ji. However, in matters that affect our community deeply, it is prudent to act with unity and wisdom. We are therefore waiting for the guidance of Thupstan Chewang, whose experience and leadership have shaped many critical decisions in the past,” a senior monk remarked.
Thupstan Chewang, the former president of the Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA) and ex-Lok Sabha member, commands significant respect across the Buddhist community. His stance in the coming days is widely expected to influence whether more religious and political leaders join the hunger strike or adopt a wait-and-watch approach.
Despite limited involvement from mainstream political leaders, the protest has gained momentum among Ladakh’s youth, students, environmental groups, and concerned citizens. Many see Wangchuk’s hunger strike as a timely and necessary intervention in the face of climate change, infrastructure development pressures, and ecological degradation in the fragile high-altitude region.
Local students have staged peaceful demonstrations and held solidarity marches, emphasizing that Ladakh’s unique environment and way of life must be preserved. “This is not about politics; it is about safeguarding our future. We support Wangchuk ji because he is raising issues that concern all of us,” said a student activist from Leh.
The district administration has been closely monitoring the situation, dispatching medical teams to ensure the health and safety of participants. Officials have also opened channels for dialogue with community representatives and civil society groups. While no formal resolution has yet been announced, administration sources have indicated that discussions are underway to address some of the environmental concerns raised.
A senior official noted, “We are committed to ensuring peace and order while also addressing legitimate concerns. The administration is ready to engage in constructive dialogue and explore long-term solutions.”
With the hunger strike entering its third day, uncertainty looms over whether the movement will expand or remain contained. Much depends on the role of Thupstan Chewang and other influential leaders, whose support could either amplify the protest or bring it to a negotiated resolution.
Observers believe that the coming days will be critical in shaping Ladakh’s environmental discourse. While some advocate swift government intervention and policy reforms, others caution against politicizing a sensitive issue that requires consensus-building and careful deliberation.
As Sonam Wangchuk continues his fast, the protest has already rekindled a larger conversation about Ladakh’s ecological vulnerability, governance challenges, and the need for responsible development—issues that are likely to resonate well beyond the region’s borders. |
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