Ladakh Hunger Strike: Demand for Statehood Sovereignty
In Leh, Ladakh, Sonam Wangchuk, renowned for his work in education, initiated a 21-day hunger strike labeled as a “climate fast” on March 6. He advocated for Ladakh residents’ rights under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution to manage resources like land and water. Wangchuk concluded his strike on March 26, now carried forward by Leh’s women. Should their demands remain unaddressed, the strike will expand to include youth, monks, and elders in stages.
Farming Protests Escalate Against BJP Policies
In the ongoing Lok Sabha campaign in Punjab, farmers’ protests intensify against the BJP, with posters barring BJP candidates’ entry into villages and opposition to potential reinstatement of farm laws. Recent clashes at a BJP event in Bhatinda underscore tensions. Meanwhile, farmers’ leaders strategize nationwide campaigns against BJP’s policies, including ‘Jan panchayats’ and joint protests with other unions. The farmers’ ‘Delhi Chalo’ march faces police obstacles as more farmers plan to join, while Punjab’s economy suffers due to prolonged border closures. Despite government offers, the stalemate continues as farmers demand MSP laws and loan waivers, highlighting ongoing difficulties in the agricultural sector.
Widespread protests against contentious Citizenship Laws
Protests erupt across India against the implementation of the contentious Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), combined with a proposed National Register of Citizens, just days before the Lok Sabha elections. The act is criticised for discriminating against Muslims. Modi’s government, led by the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), frames rules facilitating citizenship for non-Muslim refugees from Muslim-majority countries. The enactment in 2019, had led to widespread protests. In Assam and Tamil Nadu, protests remain peaceful, with calls for strikes and marches against the law. In Bangalore, the first such protest in the city was carried out by AISA-RYA and other organisations under CPIML Liberation on the 13th of March.
Opposition alliance’s rally denounces Modi’s regime
Tens of thousands of people from all walks of life joined the opposition alliance’s Maharally at Delhi’s Ramleela Maidan resolving to defend the country from the fascist assault by the Modi regime. Demanding immediate release of all opposition leaders imprisoned in fabricated cases, the rally gave the clarion call to vote out BJP and defeat the forces of tyranny and dictatorship in the upcoming Lok Sabha Elections.
