Ladakhi environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on a salt and water fast for the past 15 days, received significant support on Sunday from 'Jagadguru' Shankaracharya, who visited the protest site at Martyrs Park in Leh. Wangchuk is on an indefinite hunger strike to push for the inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution and address the region's demands for statehood.

In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), Wangchuk expressed his gratitude for the visit, saying, "On the 15th day of the fast, Jagadguru Shankaracharya ji visited the anshan place at Martyrs Park in Leh to support the movement." He also highlighted the growing support from local communities and across India. "Villages in Ladakh observed a fast, from those bordering China and Pakistan to the city of Leh. In Delhi, hundreds of people came to join us, but they were forcibly bundled into buses and detained," Wangchuk added in his post.

Wangchuk's hunger strike is focused on demanding constitutional safeguards that would empower Ladakh’s local population to protect their land and cultural identity. His movement has garnered the backing of the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA). Both organisations have been at the forefront of the demand for Ladakh to be included under the Sixth Schedule, which provides special rights and autonomy to tribal populations.

Earlier on Sunday, the Delhi Police detained members of the All India Students Association (AISA) who were protesting outside Ladakh Bhawan in support of Wangchuk's movement. Wangchuk has been seeking a meeting with top leadership in the country to discuss these critical demands.

On October 5, Wangchuk began his indefinite hunger strike, aiming to draw the attention of the central government to the region's needs. The Sixth Schedule status, if granted, would offer protections similar to those available in other tribal areas of the country, safeguarding Ladakh’s land, culture, and resources from external exploitation.

The ongoing protests have also attracted attention in the legal sphere. On October 9, the Delhi High Court issued a notice to the Delhi Police, the Government of NCT Delhi, and other respondents following a plea filed by the Leh Apex Body. The plea sought permission for Wangchuk and other supporters to hold a peaceful hunger strike (Anshan) at Jantar Mantar from October 8 to October 23.

A bench comprising Justice Prathiba M. Singh and Justice Amit Sharma has directed the respondents to submit their replies by October 16. A detailed hearing is scheduled for October 22, where the court will further examine the matter.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Delhi Police, opposed the plea, raising questions about the urgency of the protest. The Leh Apex Body, however, argued that peaceful assembly and free speech are fundamental rights guaranteed by Articles 19(1)(a) and 19(1)(b) of the Indian Constitution. They requested permission for Wangchuk and the 'Padyatris' to peacefully protest at Jantar Mantar or an alternative site.

Wangchuk's ongoing hunger strike has drawn significant attention to the demands of Ladakh's local communities, who have long been advocating for greater autonomy and constitutional safeguards. With support pouring in from various parts of the country, including influential religious figures like the Shankaracharya, the movement continues to gain momentum.

Wangchuk and his supporters remain hopeful that the central government will engage in meaningful dialogue and address their concerns, ensuring that the unique cultural and environmental heritage of Ladakh is protected for future generations.