TL;DR: After 15 days of fasting, climate activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his protest following a promise from the Ministry of Home Affairs for discussions on Ladakh's demands on December 3. Wangchuk has long been a vocal advocate for Ladakh's autonomy and climate protection, but the Modi government’s track record raises concerns—will this promise stick, or is it just another political bluff? 🤔
🌍 Why Was Sonam Wangchuk Fasting?
Wangchuk began an indefinite salt-and-water fast on October 6 to demand constitutional safeguards for Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule. His goal? To protect Ladakh’s fragile ecosystem and ensure that locals can preserve their land and cultural identity 🏔️.
Throughout his protest, villagers from across Ladakh—even those along China and Pakistan borders—observed fasts to show solidarity. The Delhi police, however, detained protesters supporting Wangchuk, sparking further outrage.
🛑 The Government Steps In—But Will It Deliver?
On October 21, the Home Ministry assured that talks with Ladakh leaders will resume on December 3, prompting Wangchuk to end his fast. But given the Modi government’s reputation for empty promises, many supporters remain skeptical 🤔. "The government is good at calling for talks but often fails to follow through," Wangchuk warned in a social media post.
The activist has received widespread support, including from the Shankaracharya and youth movements like AISA, despite police crackdowns on demonstrators.
💬 MediaFx Opinion: India Can’t Ignore Wangchuk
Sonam Wangchuk isn’t just an environmentalist—he’s a national icon. The beloved character of Phunsukh Wangdu in the movie 3 Idiots was based on his life. Wangchuk’s fight against climate change isn’t just for Ladakh—it’s for all of India 🌱.
But the Modi government’s allegiance to corporate giants like Adani often trumps environmental causes. Ignoring Wangchuk’s demands would be foolish. This isn’t just about Ladakh—if India doesn’t back him now, it will look like a country treating its own people like "idiots" 🥴.
It’s time for citizens to stand with Wangchuk and hold the government accountable. If leaders don’t listen to the people, they’ll be judged harshly by future generations.
💬 What’s Your Take?
Will the government keep its promise this time? Or is it just another delay tactic? Drop your thoughts below!
