AIKS Leaders Stand with Sonam Wangchuk Against Bureaucratic Control in Ladakh

Leaders from the All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) met with Sonam Wangchuk and other activists on hunger strike, expressing support for their cause. They claim Ladakh is being treated like a colony, with bureaucrats from outside controlling policies in this ecologically sensitive area. The farmers' group urged more people to join the protest against the Modi-Shah government, which they believe threatens democracy.

Climate activist Wangchuk and his supporters have been on an indefinite hunger strike at Ladakh Bhawan in Delhi since 6 October. They are demanding a meeting with top leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to discuss their demands. The AIKS issued a statement supporting Ladakh's inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.

Protests and Demands

The dismantling of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood has led to Ladakh being governed by external bureaucrats, according to AIKS. This has resulted in widespread protests against the BJP's policy of centralising power under corporate-bureaucratic control, which they argue undermines India's federal principles. The AIKS statement highlighted these concerns.

The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) called on people across India to support Ladakh's democratic struggle. They urged citizens to oppose the corporate-bureaucratic governance of the Modi-Shah administration, which they view as a threat to democracy. Wangchuk and his supporters marched from Leh to Delhi, demanding Ladakh's inclusion in the Sixth Schedule.

Sixth Schedule and Statehood

The Sixth Schedule of the Constitution provides for the administration of tribal areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram. It establishes autonomous councils with legislative, judicial, executive, and financial powers to govern these regions independently. Protesters are also calling for statehood for Ladakh, a public service commission, and separate Lok Sabha seats for Leh and Kargil districts.

The march to Delhi was organised by the Leh Apex Body alongside the Kargil Democratic Alliance. These groups have been leading the agitation for Ladakh's demands. On 30 September, Wangchuk and his supporters were detained at Delhi's Singhu border by police but were released on 2 October night.

The ongoing protests reflect growing discontent over how Ladakh is governed post-Jammu and Kashmir's reorganisation. Activists continue to push for greater autonomy and representation for Ladakh within India's constitutional framework.