Why in News? Two days after he announced “Pashmina March 2”, climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has announced to suspended it again.

Who is Sonam Wangchuk? He is an Indian engineer, innovator, environmentalist and education reformist from Ladakh. He was instrumental in the launch of Operation New Hope in 1994 to bring reforms in the government school system. He invented the Ice Stupa technique, used for storing winter water in the form of a cone-shaped ice heap. He has been the recipient of the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2018.

What is the Pashmina March that Wangchuk Wants to Hold? The Pashmina March is intended to spotlight the loss of grazing pastures for shepherds (who have traditionally reared the famed Pashmina goats known for its expensive and highly sought-after wool) in the Leh region. According to Wangchuk, there are two main reasons for the loss - the loss of land to corporations and the activities of the Chinese along the LAC.

Why is Sonam Wangchuk Protesting? He is demanding the inclusion of Ladakh in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution (an election promise that the BJP made in 2019). According to Wangchuk, this will protect the fragile environment and culture of the UT of Ladakh.

What are the Other Reasons for the Ladakhis’ Protests? After the constitutional changes of August 2019, Ladakhis began to feel the loss of significant powers of the autonomous hill development councils, and the shortage of jobs after being declined from the J&K recruitment boards. Ladakhis sought protections for their land, jobs, and culture, and sought to elect their own representatives as a full state.

How the Central Govt Responded to these Protests? A High-Powered Committee (HPC) was constituted by the Ministry of Home Affairs. The HPC was supposed to discuss measures to protect Ladakh’s unique culture and language, considering its geographical location and strategic importance. Its mandate also included ensuring the protection of land and employment for the people of Ladakh.