look news india
It has been 13 days since the hunger strike of Ladakh's famous climate activist Sonam Wangchuk. On Monday, 1500 people joined him on a one-day hunger strike. He shared a video and told how 250 people slept hungry at night in support of him. Wangchuk is demanding inclusion of Ladakh in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution which would give local people the right to administer tribal areas.
Sonam Wangchuk said the Sixth Schedule is a measure of India's generosity when it comes to unity in diversity. This great nation not only tolerates diversity but also promotes it. He started a 21-day hunger strike on March 6 with the campaign '#SAVELADAKH, #SAVEHIMALAYAS'. He said that if needed, this strike can be extended further.
What did Sonam Wangchuk say?
Sonam Wangchuk has tried to clear the confusion going on on social media by sharing a video. He said the purpose of the Sixth Schedule is not only to stop outsiders but also to protect environmentally sensitive areas or cultures – tribals and all – from local people. He said that after its implementation they will also get protection from the local people.
Sonam Wangchuk, a famous social activist of the area, told what was the reason for her hunger strike. He said that as far as industry is concerned, areas which are not sensitive can be made economic zones, so that industries can be established there and investments can be made from the country and the world. The people of Ladakh have no problem with this.
What is the sixth schedule?
Sonam Wangchuk and local people are demanding that Ladakh be included in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. After the removal of Article 370, Ladakh has become a Union Territory and there is no local council like Assembly in Jammu and Kashmir. After inclusion in the Sixth Schedule, the people of Ladakh will be able to form autonomous districts and local councils in which the people involved will work at the local level. Apart from this, they are demanding two seats in the Lok Sabha and representation at the central level in the Rajya Sabha. Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram are already included in the Sixth Schedule which provides special protection to the tribal community.
What did the central government say?
However, the Central Government has offered to give special status to Ladakh under Article 371. This is not like Article 370 which was in force in Jammu and Kashmir for decades. Section 371 is also applicable in some north-eastern states of the country. It cannot be implemented in the entire state but can be implemented at the district level and regional level to protect the environment or the tribals and cultures there. For example, there cannot be interference from outsiders in a protected area.