Punekars extends Solidarity for Ladakh | Punekars support Ladakhi fight for Truth, Environment and Democracy
Members of the Friends of Ladakh (FOL) Pune group silently but strongly stood in solidarity for Ladakh in large numbers. The members of FOL stood in small groups right from Bal Gandharva Rangmandir to Deccan Gymkhana Bus Stand explaining to the passerby the issues of Ladakh. Hundreds of Punekars were curious, stopped to have a look at the display placards and understood from Friends of Ladakh group members the challenges and serious consequences that would impact not only Ladakh but the entire country.
Santosh Lalwani, coordinator of the Pune group said that Ladakh being a cold desert has unique characteristics and being part of the Hindukush Himalayas has a fragile ecology. Thanks to river Sindhu, it’s tributories and the glaciers, Ladakh is one of the largest fresh water reservoirs in the world. Already because of climate change, the glaciers are melting. Hence if big industrial projects like the Gigawatt scale solar power projects, mining activities start in Ladakh that would completely disrupt the fragile ecosystem of Ladakh. This will have a adverse impact not only on Ladakh but the entire north India. Hence the so called development will ultimately lead to massive destruction which the local community is very much aware of. Hence their concerns needs to be addressed.
Hema Chari said that 97% of the Ladakhi population is of the tribal community. Hence their demand for the sixth schedule of the constitution like in the states of Assam, Meghalay, Tripura and Mizoram is legitimate and should be approved. Moreover statehood with legislative assembly should be thought of for Ladakh.
Amitraj Deshmukh said that the Ladakhi community under the able leadership of Sonam Wangchuk were doing a peaceful protest and Climate fast for the last one month. Following Mahatma Gandhi’s footsteps of Ahinsa and Satyagrah, they had organised a peaceful Pashmina March. It is really sad and disheartening that the administration imposed article 144 in Leh.
Jaideep Bafana highlighted the strategic importance of Ladakh for our country considering the
border security. The demands of the local community as well as promises made should be fulfilled. One cannot leave this community on the border’s unsatisfied and unhappy.
Preetee Pushpa-Prakash appealed to each and every Punekar to strongly support Ladakh and Ladakhi communities fight for Truth, Environment and Democracy. To extend solidarity, she appealed Punekars to join the Friends of Ladakh, Pune group.