"Ploy To Sell Our mountains": Activist On Union Territory Tag For Ladakh

"People are asking whether declaring Ladakh a Union Territory was a ploy to sell of our mountains to industrial lobby and mining companies," said climate activist Sonam Wangchuk

Disillusionment and anger are palpable on the freezing streets of Ladakh capital Leh, where climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has been sitting on fast for nearly two weeks. "People are asking whether declaring Ladakh a Union Territory was a ploy to sell of our mountains to industrial lobby and mining companies," he told NDTV.

The BJP, Mr Wangchuk said, had promised -- not once but twice -- that their demands will be met. "It was one of their poll promises. They promised us that they would protect the identity of Ladakh under the sixth schedule. But sadly, promises have not been kept. Ladakh has no democratic representation," he added.

Mr Wangchuk also claimed the morale of the soldiers was at its weakest. "The morale of Ladakhi soldiers is broken because Ladakh has neither democracy (Assembly) nor reservation (for locals)," he said.