Shashi Tharoor Appeals to Sonam Wangchuk to End Hunger Strike, Cites Need for His Voice

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has written an open letter to climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, urging him to end his indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. Wangchuk, along with other protesters from Ladakh, has been demanding statehood for the region and protections under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.

In his letter dated August 24, Tharoor expressed solidarity with the activists' cause but stressed that Wangchuk's health and continued participation in the movement were more important than a hunger strike. 'India needs your voice, not your silence,' Tharoor wrote, adding that the struggle should be carried forward through dialogue and democratic means.

Wangchuk, known for his work in education and climate adaptation in Ladakh, began the hunger strike on August 17 to press for the demands. The protest has drawn support from various civil society groups and political figures. However, Tharoor cautioned that self-harm through a hunger strike could undermine the movement's credibility and harm Wangchuk's ability to lead.

The letter also noted that Tharoor had previously raised the issue in Parliament and would continue to advocate for Ladakh's rights within the constitutional framework. He urged the protesters to consider alternative forms of protest that do not risk their lives.

Wangchuk and his supporters have not yet responded to Tharoor's appeal. The protest continues at Jantar Mantar, with participants vowing to remain until their demands are addressed by the central government.