NEW DELHI: Ladakh-based climate activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk, along with over 170 others, began an indefinite hunger strike after being detained by Delhi Police at the Singhu border on Monday night.
They were on their way to the national capital for the "Delhi Chalo" Padyatra, demanding sixth schedule status for the UT(Union territory).
They were detained for allegedly “violating prohibitory orders” and are currently housed in police stations across Bawana, Narela and Kanjhawala.
One of the detainees at Arya Samaj Ashram in Narela, where 23 women and seven men have been lodged, said they are on a peaceful march and yet they are being held like criminals.
'Hunger strike'Wangchuk began a 21-day hunger strike, referred to as a “climate fast,” on March 6.
He claims that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has promised twice to include Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule.
In its 2019 Lok Sabha election manifesto, the BJP listed this as one of its top three priorities, and they made the same promise before the 2020 elections for the Hill Development Council in Ladakh, which they won.
Wangchuk insists that the BJP's commitment to the Sixth Schedule was a key election promise and the government should honor it.
What is the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution?The Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution is designed to safeguard tribal communities and their interests through autonomous governance.
It establishes autonomous institutions with legislative, judicial, and executive powers to manage local governance.