Refused Jantar Mantar nod, Wangchuk begins fast at Ladakh Bhawan

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk began a hunger strike at Ladakh Bhawan on Sunday after protesters were denied permission to hold a demonstration at Jantar Mantar here. Among other things, Wangchuk and activists are demanding the inclusion of Ladakh into the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.

Posting the rejection letter from the Delhi Police on X, Wangchuk said, “Another rejection, another frustration. We received a letter this morning denying us permission for the officially designated protest site. If Jantar Mantar is off-limits, please let us know where we can go.”

He added, “We want to comply with all laws while expressing our grievances peacefully. Why is it so challenging to follow Gandhi’s path in his own country?”

Around 18 supporters joined Wangchuk at Ladakh Bhawan, where they sang the Hindi version of “We Shall Overcome”.

The police’s letter said the request to hold demonstrations on October 5 and 6 was submitted too late and lacked necessary details about the timing and expected number of participants. “Applications for protests at Jantar Mantar must be submitted at least 10 days in advance,” it said. The police also mentioned that the proposed hunger strike appeared to be open-ended, which was not permitted under current laws.