Sonam Wangchuk continues hunger strike, says RSS member reached out to him

Ladakh-based climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on a hunger strike for the last four days at Ladakh Bhawan, on Wednesday shared that a member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) reached out to him late at night.

Wangchuk in a post on X said, “Someone came around 10.30-11 pm, and brought herbal mosquito repellent for us. He stayed away from the gate and said he did not want to be captured in any CCTV camera.”

The individual identified himself as being affiliated with the RSS and close to the BJP, expressing sympathy for Wangchuk and the people of Ladakh, while stating, “We cannot come out openly.”

Additionally, Wangchuk mentioned a visit from BJP leader Naresh, who conveyed a special message from Murli Manohar Joshi. Wangchuk remarked, “This makes us feel people rise above party, religion, when it is about justice. They are not blind followers; they can differentiate between right and wrong.”

Despite their ongoing protests, another member of the group reported that they have not yet been approached by the government, adding, “This morning, several members had low blood pressure.”

Wangchuk and his supporters had previously marched to Delhi from Leh, demanding the inclusion of Ladakh in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, which provides for the administration of tribal areas in specific North Eastern states through autonomous councils. They are also seeking statehood, the establishment of a public service commission for Ladakh, and separate Lok Sabha seats for the Leh and Kargil districts. The march was organized by the Leh Apex Body, in conjunction with the Kargil Democratic Alliance, which has been leading the agitation.

They were however detained by the Delhi Police on October 1 and released the following day, when paid their tributes at Rajghat on October 2.

Wangchuk has also said that he has been receiving several messages from people asking him ‘how can we support the people of Ladakh’. In a video message also shared on X, he urged people to observe a one-day fast for the Himalayas on October 13 (Sunday) from 9 am to 5 pm.

Meanwhile, the Delhi HC on Wednesday sought the stand of Delhi Police on a petition seeking permission for climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and others to hold a peaceful protest at the Jantar Mantar.