Sonam Wangchuk and supporters continue hunger strike as public shows support

Sonam Wangchuk, now on his fourth day of hunger strike, reported that a member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) visited him last night to express support and provided mosquito repellent. Wangchuk, who is camped at Ladakh Bhawan in New Delhi, is still awaiting a response from the central government, according to his supporters.

The visit occurred around 10:30-11 PM when the RSS member, who preferred to remain out of sight from CCTV cameras, extended his solidarity, saying, "We have our sympathy with you and the people of Ladakh, but we cannot come out openly." Wangchuk shared this update on the social media platform X.

Additionally, BJP leader Naresh ji delivered a special message from Murli Manohar Joshi, which Wangchuk felt underscored a collective understanding of justice that transcends political and religious affiliations. “They are not blind followers; they can differentiate between right and wrong,” he remarked.

Health issues are becoming a concern, as some protesters reported low blood pressure this morning. Wangchuk and his supporters traveled from Leh to Delhi to demand the inclusion of Ladakh in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. They were detained by Delhi Police at the Singhu border on September 30 but were released on the night of October 2.

The group is seeking a meeting with top government officials, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Their demands include constitutional protections for Ladakh through the Sixth Schedule, which allows for the administration of tribal areas in northeastern states with autonomous councils that possess legislative, judicial, executive, and financial powers.

Other demands include statehood for Ladakh, the establishment of a public service commission, and separate Lok Sabha seats for the Leh and Kargil districts. The protest is organized by the Leh Apex Body, in collaboration with the Kargil Democratic Alliance, which is leading the movement for these rights.