Report by SWATI
NEW DELHI
17 JULY
Sonam Wangchuk Vows to ‘Stay Alive Till July 20 at Any Cost’ as Hunger Strike Enters Day 20
New Delhi | July 17
In a dramatic escalation of his ongoing protest, renowned educator, engineer, and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk declared on Friday that he would “stay alive till July 20 at any cost” as his indefinite hunger strike entered its 20th day, despite doctors warning that his prolonged fast has reached a critical stage.
The protest, being held at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, has emerged as one of the most significant civil society movements concerning the future of Ladakh, with Wangchuk demanding stronger constitutional safeguards, environmental protection measures, and greater representation for the region.
‘Weak Outside, Strong Inside’
Addressing hundreds of supporters gathered at the protest site, Wangchuk acknowledged his deteriorating physical condition but insisted that his determination remained intact.
“I am weak from the outside but very strong inside. I am sure all of you are strong from the inside, and outside too. We need this energy for July 20, when we will take out a peaceful march to Parliament. We will go together and present our plea in the temple of democracy,”
His remarks were met with loud chants and applause from supporters, many of whom have been participating in solidarity demonstrations across several parts of the country.
Doctors Sound Alarm
Medical teams monitoring Wangchuk’s health have reportedly expressed serious concern over the impact of the extended fast. Sources close to the protest organisers said the activist has experienced significant weight loss, fatigue, and increasing weakness.
Doctors have warned that continued fasting could lead to severe complications, including organ stress and long-term health consequences. However, Wangchuk has so far refused to end the protest, saying that the issues facing Ladakh are “too important to ignore.”
Parliament March Planned for July 20
The activist urged supporters to prepare for a large but peaceful march to Parliament on July 20, which he described as a crucial moment in the movement.
“We will present our plea in the temple of democracy,”
he said, emphasizing that the protest would remain non-violent and constitutional in nature.
Organisers expect participants from multiple states to join the march, which is intended to draw national attention to the demands of Ladakh’s residents.
Focus on Ladakh’s Future
Wangchuk has consistently argued that Ladakh’s fragile Himalayan ecosystem, cultural identity, and natural resources require stronger legal and constitutional protection. His campaign has centred on demands related to environmental safeguards, local governance, and the inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
He has repeatedly warned that unchecked development and inadequate policy protections could threaten the region’s ecological balance and traditional way of life.
Growing Political Attention
The hunger strike has attracted increasing political attention, with several opposition leaders and civil society groups expressing support for Wangchuk’s demands. The protest has also reignited a broader national debate on environmental governance, federal representation, and the rights of Himalayan communities.
As the fast enters its third week, the central question remains whether the government will engage directly with Wangchuk’s demands before the planned July 20 march.
A Defiant Message
Despite visible signs of exhaustion, Wangchuk’s message on Friday was unmistakably defiant.
“I will stay alive till July 20 at any cost,”
he declared, framing the upcoming Parliament march as a decisive moment in what he described as a peaceful struggle for the future of Ladakh.
