New Delhi: The Delhi Chalo Padyatra, organized by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and spearheaded by renowned climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, commenced from NDS Park in Leh, Ladakh, on Sunday. This march aims to draw national attention to the longstanding demands of the people of Ladakh, particularly the call for statehood and other pressing issues. Over 100 volunteers embarked on the journey from Leh to Delhi, urging the central government to resume stalled discussions with Ladakhs leadership on their four-point agenda.On the third day of the Leh-Delhi Climate March, Sonam Wangchuk shared an update, stating, We are making our way across the Himalayas in 30 days. The reception from villagers along the route has been incredibly warm and encouraging. Looking forward to seeing you soon in Himachal Pradesh!Unified voice for Ladakhs futureFor the past four years, the LAB, in partnership with the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), has been leading a sustained campaign advocating for Ladakhs statehood. Their demands also include Ladakhs inclusion in the Constitutions Sixth Schedule, the establishment of a public service commission, an expedited recruitment process, and the allocation of separate Lok Sabha seats for the Leh and Kargil districts. The LAB and KDA represent a collective of various social, religious, political, and trade organizations from the region.Marching towards DelhiThe last round of talks between Ladakhs representatives and the central government, which took place in March, concluded without any significant progress. The Delhi Chalo Padyatra is seen as a renewed effort to push for their demands. Amid chants of Bharat Mata Ki Jai and We Want the Sixth Schedule, LAB chairman Thupstan Chhewang officially flagged off the march. Sonam Wangchuk expressed optimism that the government would provide a positive response upon the groups arrival in Delhi on October 2, coinciding with Gandhi Jayanti.Collective effortThe decision to organize the march was finalized in an August meeting, with organizers acknowledging the potential challenges due to the peak farming and tourism season. “Given the peak farming and tourism season, there is a possibility of fewer volunteers. We appeal to every section of society to come forward and join the march, urged Chering Dorjey Lakruk, co-chairman of LAB.Among the participants is elderly marcher Tsering Dorjey, who, despite health concerns, is determined to participate as much as possible. “By this march, we want to convey a message that we are very serious about our four demands,” he stated.
