Wangchuk brings cultural, environmental quest to Nagaland

KOHIMA — Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and his team reached Nagaland on Wednesday “to understand” the state’s journey of preserving its ethnic and cultural identity.

Upon his arrival, an interaction with researchers and experts was hosted by the Kezekevi Thehouba in Kohima.

“We are looking forward to learning from Nagaland and came to understand Nagaland’s journey and challenges in preserving and promoting the ethnic identity and culture that brings diversity to India,” Wangchuk said.

The Ramon Magsaysay Award recipient had earlier appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to grant Ladakh the Sixth Schedule status. While Nagaland does not come under the Sixth Schedule, it has been granted the special status of Article 371A, about which Wangchuk expressed interest in learning more.

The visiting team also sought to understand the functioning of the state public service commission, as there are no such systems set up in Ladakh after it was declared a Union Territory.

Besides political and cultural reasons, Wangchuk said that he had a bigger cause to visit: the environment.

He asserted that giving indigenous people the responsibility to take care of their fragile ecology is the best way since they have been doing it for thousands of years.

He further highlighted the importance of the Himalayas for the whole nation and the planet in terms of weather and water resources.

The activist is scheduled to meet with Modi on December 3 with the expectation of bargaining for   more autonomy and democracy in Ladakh.