Sonam Wangchuk's Father Sonam Wangyal Was In Politics, His 1984 Strike Brought Indira Gandhi To Leh
Sonam Wangchuk has been on a hunger strike for a long time. Notably, new details related to the activist's father recently came into the headlines.
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Add BollywoodShaadis on GoogleSonam Wangchuk is creating headlines with his indefinite hunger strike. It started on June 28, 2026, as part of demanding accountability in education and constitutional safeguards for Ladakh. Citing NEET irregularities and the need to protect Ladakh’s environment, culture, and democracy, Wangchuk set a deadline of June 27 for government action. When no response came, he began fasting with six students.
While many well-known personalities have reacted to the ongoing strike, a new fact has recently emerged everywhere about Sonam Wangchuk’s father, Sonam Wangyal. Keep reading to know more!
Sonam Wangchuk’s father also did a hunger strike many years ago
Just like Sonam Wangchuk, his father, Sonam Wangyal, was in the headlines years ago in 1984. It was due to a hunger strike where Sonam Wangyal demanded Scheduled Tribe status for indigenous communities in Ladakh.
The strike was part of a larger campaign that began in 1982. During that period, Ladakhi leaders pressed the central government for constitutional recognition and safeguards for the people living in the region. Sonam Wangyal was one of the most visible figures in that movement.
Published accounts state that in January 1984, he went on a 16-day hunger strike. Other commemorations also reference a five-day hunger strike in 1984 during the same campaign. The purpose was to secure ST status, which Ladakhi leaders argued was necessary to protect land, jobs, culture, and political representation in a border region.
The fast drew national attention. During the strike, then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi visited Leh and met Sonam Wangyal. Following that meeting, she gave an assurance that the government would grant Scheduled Tribe status to the indigenous communities in Ladakh.
Based on that assurance, Wangyal withdrew his hunger strike. However, the decision was not implemented immediately. It took six years, and the promise given to Sonam Wangyal was fulfilled in 1989.
For the unversed, Sonam Wangyal was also a politician linked with the National Conference and the Indian National Congress. Back in 1975, he became a Cabinet Minister in the Jammu & Kashmir government. He passed away in 1998.
Delhi High Court has intervened amid Sonam Wangchuk’s ongoing strike
It’s been almost 19 days since Sonam Wangchuk started his hunger strike. Notably, the Delhi High Court has now ordered the government to check the health of the activist. In an order that was issued on July 16, 2026, the court said that necessary steps need to be taken to save Sonam’s life, adding that the lives of all the citizens are precious and the authorities must ensure to keep them safe.
The court order was based on a plea that was filed on July 15, 2026, expressing concern over Sonam’s health. It stated that his condition might get critical in the next 48 hours. The plea even addressed the government’s response to the matter, describing it as insensitive.
The plea mentioned that Sonam should be taken to a government hospital so that he can get the necessary nutrients required for survival through a liquid diet. The plea said that although holding a protest is someone’s right, Sonam’s death will be a matter of shame for everyone. In the latest hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who was representing the government, confirmed that daily health check-ups were being done. The court then stated:
“We would like this person to receive regular and daily medical checks from government doctors… and intervention depending on those reports. And if any medication is required, please intervene. Every life is precious!”
What are your thoughts about the hunger strike of Sonam Wangchuk’s father? Let us know.
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