New Delhi: Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk continues his hunger strike in Delhi today, day 14, to press for his demands including the provision of the Sixth Schedule to Ladakah. A conversation about democracy was initiated by Wangchuk when he said that it is not the elections that turn a country into a democratic one; people’s voices are heard.
Wangchuk was detained last month at the end of the march from Leh to Delhi, together with several of his supporters, although he was then released. Since then, he has been on an indefinite hunger strike along with about two dozen supporters in Ladakh Bhawan demanding to meet the leadership of the country. Nevertheless, the Beatles’ fans have not been able to sit down with officials of government up to this time.
A hunger strike since 6th October
Since October 6, Wangchuk survives only on saline water and complained to how his supporters are not allowed to meet top authorities, as some curtains have been drawn around the Ladakh Bhawan. Having lost strength during the fast, Wangchuk spoke in an interview, ‘You can see the restrictions at Ladakh Bhawan’. They are very much determining who may come in or who may not. They are not even allowing people to come here in the park.”
Wangchuk Austensibly accuses the Government of not listening
Wangchuk said he was disappointed with the development as the government appears to be ‘‘frightened by growing support’ for his plight. “Perhaps, they are afraid of silent protesters,” he said, stressing that whatever has befallen him since his arrival in New Delhi cannot be called democratic. Wangchuk also pointed out the sad English paradox of 150 people from border regions of the country including the old age people, women and retired soldiers who once defended the Indian territories being locked up as they reached the country capital. Nevertheless, he said that the government continues to turn a deaf ear.
“How can this be called Democracy” – Wangchuk Asks
Wangchuk expounded his doubts over such a democratic scenario pointing out that “I don’t know how this can be called democracy.” Going to the polls does not make a nation democratic. The governing has a responsibility of protecting the people and their voices. I pity the world’s largest democratic country where freedom of speech is gradually dying out.
There are many things that the government should not do, but one of them is to be so ruthless, as Eliot put it.
Wangchuk also has an emotional appeal, “The government in a democracy should not be so ruthless let alone to people from border areas.” We have defended our borders in five or six wars in the course of many years. This kind of treatment can so demoralize and unpatriotically treat the people.
Wangchuk urges government to resume talks ‘Wangchuk has called on the government to resume talks, saying that people want nothing better than to talk in order to resolve a conflict.’
Nonetheless, through page and stage protest, Wangchuk is hopeful and calm. “No one has contacted us yet. We will remain here. We are in no rush. Probably the new protest will compel the government to respond. They’re not about a demand that a decision must be made within the time frame that they wish to discuss, we are only insisting that the conversation be resumed, Shuster said.