Sonam Wangchuk’s protest for Ladakh’s rights

Source: The post Sonam Wangchuk’s protest for Ladakh’s rights has been created, based on the article “Yogendra Yadav on Sonam Wangchuk: Delhi needs to listen to Himalayas” published in “Indian Express” on 15th October is 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2– Polity- federalism

Context: The article discusses Sonam Wangchuk’s protest for Ladakh’s rights, demanding democratic governance and ecological development. It highlights the broader issues of the Himalayan region and urges the Indian government to adopt a coherent “Himalayan policy” for addressing these concerns effectively.

For detailed information on Sixth Schedule for Ladakh read this article here

What is Sonam Wangchuk’s Padyatra and Protest About?

1. Sonam Wangchuk led a 1,000 km padyatra from Leh to Delhi, representing the demands of Ladakh’s people.
2. The protest demands democratic governance for Ladakh, either as a full state or a Union Territory with an elected legislature, similar to Delhi and Puducherry.
3. Ladakh’s population is around 3 lakhs, but its area exceeds 59,000 square km, larger than J&K or several northeastern states.
4. Wangchuk advocates for Sixth Schedule status, ensuring Autonomous District Councils for Ladakh’s diverse communities, empowering them to preserve their cultural identity.
5. He promotes “ecological democracy,” opposing indiscriminate hydropower projects while calling for sustainable development models.

What Is the Connection to Rammanohar Lohia’s “Himalayan Policy”?

1. Lohia, a political thinker, emphasized a coherent “Himalayan policy,” linking external and internal challenges faced by Himalayan states.
2. He criticized India’s foreign policy for ignoring Chinese expansionism and advocated for democratic rights across the Himalayan region.
3. Today, Wangchuk’s movement echoes Lohia’s vision of integrating the Himalayas’ needs with India’s larger governance framework.

What Vision Does Sonam Wangchuk Present?

1. Moral Standpoint: Wangchuk sets a moral equation with the state, like Gandhiji did with the British empire. He remains firm and persistent without being aggressive.
2. Focus on Ecological Democracy: Wangchuk promotes a model of ecological democracy that prioritizes land, jobs, and cultural rights for locals. He opposes indiscriminate development projects but advocates for sustainable growth.
3. Democratic Governance Demand: His primary focus is on Ladakh’s political rights, seeking Sixth Schedule status for autonomous governance in eight districts.
4. Alternative Vision: Wangchuk emphasizes a new model of development and education, rooted in local context and wisdom, as exemplified by his 2018 Ramon Magsaysay Award.

What should be done?

1. Shift the Focus from Military to Human Security: The Indian state must evolve its perspective on the Himalayas from just a military stronghold to a region rich in biodiversity and sustainable livelihoods. Prioritizing human security is essential.
2. Develop a Coherent Himalayan Policy: This policy should address the interconnected issues of biodiversity, sustainable livelihoods, and human security. The Indian state must recognize that the Himalayas are not just geographic but involve the lives and cultures of the people living there.
3. Incorporate Local Wisdom: The government should listen to the people of the region to ensure sustainable, culturally sensitive development.

Question for practice:

Discuss how Sonam Wangchuk’s protest and padyatra highlight the need for democratic governance and ecological development in Ladakh, and its connection to Rammanohar Lohia’s “Himalayan policy.”