Pro
tests & Reform: Sonam Wangchuk’s Fast Enters Day 17 as Ladakh Announces Major Self-Governance Move
NEW DELHI / LEH — In a fast-moving series of developments, renowned climate activist and education reform advocate Sonam Wangchuk completed the 17th day of his indefinite hunger strike at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. Simultaneously, back in his home region of Ladakh, the Union Territory administration announced a historic governance overhaul: the creation of Autonomous Hill Development Councils (AHDCs) across all seven of its districts.
Part 1: Sonam Wangchuk’s Deteriorating Health Amid Growing Political Backing
Fasting since June 28, 2026, Wangchuk has been demonstrating in solidarity with the student-led “Cockroach Janta Party” (CJP). The hunger strike demands accountability, systematic exam reforms, and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan following nationwide exam leak controversies.
Medical Status: Organizers report that Wangchuk has lost roughly 8.5 kg, is suffering from muscle loss, and is experiencing severe physical pain. His blood pressure has reportedly dropped to 109/70 mmHg. Despite medical concerns and pleas from his fellow organizers to break the fast, Wangchuk remains resolute, demanding that the Union government open a direct dialogue with the protesting students.
Cross-Party Support: Prominent political figures, including AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray, have reached out to express deep concern for Wangchuk’s health. Both leaders have urged him to end the fast while pledging strong support for the upcoming “Chalo Sansad” (March to Parliament) scheduled for July 20, 2026—coinciding with the start of the Parliament’s Monsoon Session.
Part 2: Historic Democratic Decentralization in Ladakh
While Wangchuk has been fasting in the capital, the Ladakh administration on Monday announced a major policy breakthrough to address the long-standing demands of local Ladakhi representatives.
The Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) Act will be extended to all seven districts of the region. This move expands elected local self-governance far beyond the original boundaries of Leh and Kargil.
The Five New Councils
In April 2026, Ladakh was reorganized from two districts into seven. The newly formed districts getting their own hill councils are:
Sham
Nubra
Changthang
Zanskar
Drass
Key Powers Transferred to the New Councils: Land Control: The councils will have ultimate authority over land ownership and allotment within their respective district borders. Local Recruitment: They will regulate recruitment and promotions for district-cadre government jobs.Financial Autonomy: Each council will maintain its own dedicated fund, have the power to levy local taxes/fees, and independently draft regional development plans.Administrative Sectors: They will manage essential public sectors, including primary education, healthcare, local tourism, and social welfare.A Customized Article 371 Framework Rather than applying the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution—a core demand of Ladakh’s local civil groups—the Union government is working with Ladakh’s representatives to design a customized, sui generis (one-of-a-kind) model under Article 371. This proposed framework will feature an overarching Union Territory-level elected body sitting above the seven district-level hill councils. The move is designed to provide robust legislative, executive, and financial safeguards to protect the sensitive Himalayan region’s culture, environment, and land rights.
