Sonam Wangchuk begins 7-day 'climatic fast' in Ladakh

Leh: Sonam Wangchuk, a prominent engineer whose life inspired a character in the Bollywood blockbuster “3 Idiots”, on Sunday began a seven-day hunger strike here in support of his campaign for the protection of the fragile environment of Ladakh.

Wangchuk’s ‘climatic fast’ -- the second time in the past six months -- comes a day ahead of talks between the Ministry of Home Affairs and a six-member joint delegation of Leh-based Apex body and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) who are seeking full statehood, constitutional safeguards under sixth schedule, separate Lok Sabha seats for the two districts and recruitment and job reservation for the youth of Ladakh.

“We have dedicated the first day of the climatic fast for the success of the talks between the central government and our leaders,” Wangchuk, who was joined by a large number of locals at NDS Stadium, told reporters.