If Sikkim, Arunachal can be states, why not Ladakh?
THE WEEK India|October 20, 2024
LADAKH WAS IN the news recently, as climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is the Union territory's most recognisable figure, undertook a trip to Delhi on foot to draw attention to the ecologically fragile Himalayan region.
PRATUL SHARMA
If Sikkim, Arunachal can be states, why not Ladakh?

He is advocating for Ladakh's inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, which allows for the formation of autonomous district councils that possess the authority to regulate matters such as forestry, health care, land use, social customs, mining and policing. Wangchuk says indigenous communities should determine their own development models.

Upon arriving in Delhi, Wangchuk was detained as he sought a venue to protest and also a meeting with president, prime minister or home minister. When his demand was not met, he launched a sit-in at the Ladakh Bhawan in Chanakyapuri, surprising the authorities.

Wangchuk, 58, has worn many hats: engineer, educator, climate warrior and now social activist. He says he has no political ambitions.

"I would rather influence the entire population than be associated with one party," he told THE WEEK in an exclusive interview. Excerpts:

Q/ After the abrogation of Article 370, you got a separate identity, but lost certain safeguards you enjoyed.

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der October 20, 2024-Ausgabe von THE WEEK India.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der October 20, 2024-Ausgabe von THE WEEK India.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

WEITERE ARTIKEL AUS THE WEEK INDIAAlle anzeigen
Forging the future
THE WEEK India

Forging the future

As the curtain falls on 2024, I take pride in the extraordinary milestones achieved under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This year stands as a testament to the Modi government's resolve to forge a resilient and forward-looking Bharat. From groundbreaking advancements in infrastructure to visionary global initiatives, these efforts resonate deeply with the vision of Viksit Bharat.

time-read
2 Minuten  |
January 12, 2025
Our strange democracy
THE WEEK India

Our strange democracy

Abraham Lincoln is lauded as among the very best presidents the US ever had: the statesman par excellence successfully steered the nation through the devastating and perilous years of the American civil war. Not only did Lincoln manage to keep his country united, he also ensured the passage of the 13th amendment to the US constitution, which abolished slavery.

time-read
3 Minuten  |
January 12, 2025
Five years of post-pandemic fashion
THE WEEK India

Five years of post-pandemic fashion

It has been five years since we discovered what Covid-19 was, and five years since it disrupted the world forever. The World Health Organization activated their emergency systems on January 1, 2020, and informed the world by January 4, 2020. By the end of that week, they had set guidelines for various countries to follow. Comparable to the Spanish flu of 1918, more than 7 million people have died of Covid according to official data. Unofficially, no one has an idea. WHO has just this week asked China to provide critical data to understand the virus's origins as a “moral and scientific imperative”.

time-read
2 Minuten  |
January 12, 2025
Community spirit
THE WEEK India

Community spirit

Rhythm of Dammam opens a window to the world of African-origin Siddis of Uttara Kannada

time-read
4 Minuten  |
January 12, 2025
'Breaking' down a scandal
THE WEEK India

'Breaking' down a scandal

Society Girl is not just a case study of a high-profile death in Pakistan but also a stark commentary on media trials

time-read
2 Minuten  |
January 12, 2025
Progress card
THE WEEK India

Progress card

Jasmine Shah's book tells you what the AAP has achieved in Delhi in the last 10 years

time-read
2 Minuten  |
January 12, 2025
SENSE IN NONSENSE
THE WEEK India

SENSE IN NONSENSE

In his latest book of poetry, Ruskin Bond is at his funniest

time-read
4 Minuten  |
January 12, 2025
Get ready for Trump bump
THE WEEK India

Get ready for Trump bump

The ‘butterfly effect’ is a beautiful, mysterious metaphor of the planet’s interconnectedness.

time-read
2 Minuten  |
January 12, 2025
QUIET FLOWS THE FAITH
THE WEEK India

QUIET FLOWS THE FAITH

The melding of an ancient amorphous faith and the latest science; of an antique tradition and new practices; ways of life older than memory and new expressions is happening at Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh.

time-read
8 Minuten  |
January 12, 2025
Trash to treasure
THE WEEK India

Trash to treasure

How a weed-choked Dal Lake spurred Maninder Singh's journey to become a waste management visionary

time-read
6 Minuten  |
January 12, 2025