Sonam Wangchuk Launches ‘Pashmina March’ to Highlight Environmental Concerns in Ladakh

VoL Desk, April 03: Renowned environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk has announced the “Pashmina March” to the Changthang region scheduled for April 7. Wangchuk shared this initiative through a video on his YouTube channel, which experienced a significant surge in followers following his 21-day hunger strike, concluded on March 27.

Following the conclusion of his 21-day hunger strike, Sonam Wangchuk, along with a group of women, initiated another hunger strike for 10 days. Wangchuk himself participated in this protest for one day.

Post the hunger strike, Sonam Wangchuk returned to his native village in the Sham valley and initiated the Pashmina March, also dubbed as the “border march”, drawing inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi’s Dandi March. “The aim of this march is to shed light on the challenges faced by shepherds and local farmers due to the absence of protection under the Sixth Schedule”, stated Wangchuk.

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The encroachment of tens of thousands of acres of land for solar energy projects poses a threat to the local Shepherds who use the land as pasture for the livestock known for its fine pashmina. Additionally, the occupation of thousands of acres of Ladakh by China remains a pressing concern for the shepherds, stated the environmental activist, Sonam Wangchuk who has been awarded the prestigious Magsaysay award.

In such circumstances, Wangchuk questions the sustainability of local livelihoods—whether they will be forced to sell their livestock and land, becoming laborers in the process. Wangchuk appeals to supporters of Ladakh in all over India to highlight instances of destruction occurring under the guise of development.

He also expresses gratitude to the Shankaracharya of the North for expressing solidarity with him who urges the Central Government to restore democracy in Ladakh while preserving its unique identity and environment.

9 Comments

  1. Shameless Government.. we protect, guard our land and now it’s gonna be for public? Why don’t you developed those places from before? Why now? Finally your land is no more to build up all those things? Because of development in your state? Shame on you Government. Blame yourself..

  2. If this is the argument than every state and district in India have distinct culture, traditions, livelihood practices etc. So all states should be brought under schedule 6 of the constitution. Why trample other states where any one can come and do whatever he or she wants. Creating new problems in the name of protection is ridiculous. Me wangchuk should bother about culture and livelihoods of open states also which bear the brunt of onslaught from all over the country.

  3. Priyanshu Abhiraj Pandey

    We are with you sonam sir and ladakh brothers and sisters. We are trying our best to spread awareness among the people here in delhi and also in my Home town Amravati Maharashtra. We are lucky enough to witness public representatives like sonam sir who do not fears of any consequences. #supportladakh

  4. Subrata Chakraborty

    Salute Sonam Wangchuk for leading from the front to awaken 140 crores less privileged 1 percent population of the Country to understand, join and strengthen the call of Him to save our beloved Country from complete ruin in the hands of government backed Corporates in fulfilling individual lusts only.
    The government today to rule and perform by using their own propaganda machinery when making tall claims both at national and international Forum on environmental issues totally engaged in acts of reverse gear only to please a few at the cost of the nation and its future.

  5. Government should think of nature and localites first. He is fighting for nature and not for himself.
    percent population of the Country to understand, join and strengthen the call of Him to save our beloved Country from complete ruin in the hands of government backed Corporates in fulfilling individual lusts only.
    The government today to rule and perform by using their own propaganda machinery when making tall claims both at national and international Forum on environmental issues totally engaged in acts of reverse gear only to please a few at the cost of the nation and its future.

  6. Finally Ladakhis are voicing their legitimate concerns. They should have started this just after abrogation of statehood of Jammu and Kashmir. Unfortunately their voices are being completely ignored by Delhi durbari media.

  7. Respected wangchuk ji. You are fighting for true cause. Kashmiris too are suffering.Economy has been destroyed. No jobs to youth. Politically our whole state has been degraded. May the politicians be thoughtful about the situation of people. Not be selfish to their own political ends.

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