Wangchuk refuses to end fast, Omar targets Centre over Ladakh-J&K ‘double standards’

Sonam Wangchuk, a prominent climate activist and leader of the Ladakh Autonomous People's Council, continues his 22-day hunger strike in defiance of efforts to end it, according to local media reports. His refusal to halt the protest has led to the cancellation of a planned visit to New Delhi by representatives of the Leh Apex Body, which includes Wangchuk and Chering Dorjay Lakrook. Lakrook stated that Wangchuk had made it clear he had “no intention” of ending his fast, prompting the group to abandon its plan to send an eight-member delegation to engage with authorities in the capital. Despite this setback, Lakrook expressed hope that Wangchuk might reconsider his decision, emphasizing the importance of his presence during ongoing discussions with the central government. Wangchuk’s hunger strike is part of a broader movement supported by the Cockroach Janta Party, which is protesting against the central government over allegations of corruption and misconduct involving the Union education minister, Dharmendra Pradhan. The protests center around the recent NEET paper leak and other examination irregularities, which activists claim have undermined public trust in the system. The continued standoff highlights deepening tensions between local leaders and the national administration, particularly regarding governance structures and political representation. The dispute has drawn sharp criticism from Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who accused the central government of applying a “double standard” in its treatment of Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir. In a speech delivered ahead of a planned protest by the National Conference party, Abdullah pointed out that while the government had agreed to consider a customized Article 371-like framework for Ladakh, granting it greater autonomy in matters of governance, Jammu and Kashmir remained denied statehood despite similar demands. He argued that this disparity reflects a lack of genuine commitment to addressing the aspirations of both regions. Minutes from a May 22 meeting between representatives of the Ladakh Autonomous People’s Council (LAB), the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), and a sub-committee under the Ministry of Home Affairs reveal that the central government had acknowledged the need to explore a tailored version of Article 371 for Ladakh. This proposal would grant the region more control over executive, financial, and legislative functions through an elected body operating at the union territory level. However, Abdullah noted that such concessions were not extended to Jammu and Kashmir, despite repeated calls for statehood. Abdullah further alleged that some BJP officials had attempted to bribe members of the National Conference party, offering them substantial financial incentives, ministerial positions, and promises of statehood in exchange for switching allegiance. These claims, though unverified, underscore the growing perception among regional leaders that their political interests are being manipulated for personal gain rather than addressed through legitimate democratic processes. Meanwhile, the central government has maintained that it is committed to resolving issues related to Jammu and Kashmir, including the process of delimitation, electoral reforms, and the restoration of statehood. Officials have assured the Supreme Court that these steps will be carried out in a structured manner, with delimitation already completed and elections conducted. However, Abdullah questioned the logic behind this approach, arguing that if the people of Jammu and Kashmir have exercised their right to elect representatives, the government should respect their mandate rather than impose conditions that undermine their autonomy. As tensions continue to escalate, the situation remains fluid, with no immediate indication of a resolution. The fate of Wangchuk’s hunger strike and the broader struggle for greater self-governance in both Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir will likely remain focal points of political discourse in the coming weeks.