Ladakh's March for Rights: Volunteers Rally Behind Sonam Wangchuk

Over 100 volunteers, led by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, commenced a foot march from Leh to Delhi to urge the Indian government to address Ladakh's demands, including statehood and constitutional rights. The Leh Apex Body organized the march, hoping to gain government attention by Gandhi Jayanti on October 2.

In a determined effort to push for Ladakh's demands, more than 100 volunteers, spearheaded by renowned climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, began a foot march from Leh to the national capital on Sunday. The group aims to urge the Center to resume stalled talks about Ladakh's four-point agenda.

The Delhi Chalo Padyatra, organized by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and supported by the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), focuses on gaining statehood for Ladakh, applying the Constitution's sixth schedule, expediting recruitment processes, and securing separate Lok Sabha seats for Leh and Kargil. Previous dialogues with the Central government, ending in March, failed to yield solid outcomes.

With slogans like 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' filling the air, the march was flagged off by LAB chairman Thupstan Chhewang, as Wangchuk hoped for positive news upon reaching Delhi by Gandhi Jayanti, October 2. As more participants join en route, the march embodies a people's movement, underscoring the Ladakhi populace's aspirations for democratic rights and regional development.

(With inputs from agencies.)