When Indira Gandhi flew to Leh to meet Sonam Wangchuk's father: Why Congress is reviving 1984 episode amid Delhi protest
Decades after Indira Gandhi, as prime minister, visited Leh to meet Ladakhi leader Sonam Wangyal during his hunger strike seeking greater rights for the region’s
Decades after Indira Gandhi, as prime minister, visited Leh to meet Ladakhi leader Sonam Wangyal during his hunger strike seeking greater rights for the region’s people, the Congress has brought up the historic episode while backing Wangyal’s son Sonam Wangchuk in his current campaign that seeks resignation of Education Minister Dharmedra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in competitive exams. The educationist and climate activist's hunger strike entered its 20th day on Friday at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. In 1984, Indira Gandhi had visited Leh to hold talks with Wangyal, who was fasting to seek Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for Ladakh’s communities. The Congress has now drawn parallels with that outreach as Wangchuk continues his campaign over issues concerning Ladakh, including demands for special status and constitutional safeguards. Quick answers to key questions • 5 QUESTIONS 1 What is the reason behind Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike? ⌵ Sonam Wangchuk is on a hunger strike to demand the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities related to the NEET-UG examination. 2 How does Sonam Wangchuk's current protest relate to Indira Gandhi's 1984 visit to Leh? ⌵ The Congress is reviving the memory of Indira Gandhi's 1984 visit to Leh, where she met Ladakhi leader Sonam Wangyal during his hunger strike, to emphasize the importance of government engagement with protesters.
3 What has been the outcome of previous hunger strikes in Indian history? ⌵ Previous hunger strikes, like those led by Anna Hazare and Irom Sharmila, have resulted in significant political and legislative changes, highlighting the impact of such protests in India. 4 Why is there concern for Sonam Wangchuk's health during his hunger strike? ⌵ Doctors have warned that Wangchuk's health has reached a critical stage due to the prolonged hunger strike, with risks of organ damage if he continues. 5 What kind of support has Sonam Wangchuk received during his hunger strike? ⌵ Sonam Wangchuk has received support from various opposition leaders and organizations, including the Congress party, which has publicly expressed concern for his health and called for accountability from the government. Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera cited examples of previous governments engaging with protesters despite differences, pointing to Indira Gandhi’s meeting with Wangyal in 1984 and the UPA government’s talks with agitating groups in 2011. "That is what Smt. Indira Gandhi Ji did in 1984. That is what Dr. Manmohan Singh's government did in 2011. They understood that a government's first responsibility is engagement, even in disagreement," Khera said. He accused the current government of adopting an approach of "indifference" towards demands for education reforms raised by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, the Students' Union of India (NSUI), the Indian Youth Congress (IYC) and protesters at Jantar Mantar.
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