Actor Omi Vaidya, best known for playing Chatur Ramalingam in 3 Idiots, has appealed to people to support climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, whose health has reportedly deteriorated during his indefinite hunger strike on the Cockroach Janta Patry dais at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.

Sharing a video message on Instagram, Vaidya referred to Wangchuk as the “real-life Phunsukh Wangdu,” the character in 3 Idiots inspired by the Ladakh-based innovator. He urged people not to remain silent and said, “Don’t let Phunsukh Wangdu die.” Calling Wangchuk’s work an inspiration, the actor appealed for greater support as concerns over the activist’s health continue to grow.

Recent updates from Wangchuk’s supporters indicate that his health has significantly declined after fasting for over two weeks. His blood glucose level reportedly dropped to 67 mg/ dL, and he has lost over 8 kg since beginning the indefinite hunger strike. The protest is aimed at drawing attention to environmental protection and governance-related demands concerning Ladakh.

Sonam Wangchuk, an engineer, education reformer and Ramon Magsaysay Award winner, is widely recognised as the real-life inspiration behind Wangdu, the iconic character played by Aamir Khan in Rajkumar Hirani’s 2009 film 3 Idiots. Although Wangchuk has previously distanced himself from direct comparisons with the character, his work in education and sustainable development has often been linked to the film.

Vaidya’s appeal has added a film industry voice to the growing concern over Wangchuk’s health. As his hunger strike continues, supporters and public figures have called for immediate attention to his condition and renewed dialogue over the issues he has raised. The protest is underway demanding Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resign over the NEETUG fiasco.

The Central government is said to be working on a proposal to grant Ladakh a special governance framework similar to Article 371 of the Constitution.

The move is aimed at addressing the long-standing demands of the people of Ladakh for greater autonomy, protection of local culture, and stronger local self-governance after the region became a Union Territory in 2019.

According to the proposal, Autonomous Hill Development Councils (AHDCs) will be established in all seven districts of Ladakh. At present, only Leh and Kargil have elected hill councils. The expansion of these councils is expected to ensure balanced development, improve local administration, and give residents of every district a greater role in decision-making.

The Centre is also planning to create a Union Territory-level elected body that will coordinate the functioning of all district councils. This institution is expected to have powers related to planning, development, finance, and administration, helping improve governance across Ladakh while maintaining coordination with the Union Territory administration.

Article 371 is a special provision in the Constitution that gives some states extra rights to protect their culture, local traditions, land, and ensure better administration based on their unique needs. While Ladakh is not expected to receive Article 371 in its existing form, the government is considering a customized framework with similar constitutional protections suited to the region’s geographical and social conditions.

The proposal comes after several rounds of discussions between the Centre, the Ladakh administration, and representatives of civil society. Local groups have been demanding constitutional safeguards to protect the region’s fragile environment, tribal identity, employment opportunities, and control over land resources.

If approved, the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council Act will be amended, followed by the delimitation of constituencies before elections are held for the newly-created councils. The proposal is currently under consideration.

The initiative is expected to strengthen grassroots democracy, promote inclusive development, and provide Ladakh with greater administrative autonomy while remaining a Union Territory.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday criticised the Lieutenant Governor (LG) administration after he was prevented from visiting the Martyrs’ Graveyard in Srinagar to pay tribute to those killed during the 1931 uprising.

The area surrounding the Martyrs’ Graveyard in downtown Srinagar was sealed by the authorities, with police declaring it a no-go zone and restricting entry to the site.

Omar Abdullah questions restrictions

Unable to visit the graveyard, Abdullah, along with his ministers, MLAs and National Conference leaders, held a tribute meeting at the party headquarters in Srinagar.

Addressing party workers after the meeting, the Chief Minister said the administration’s decision to block access would not erase the memory of the 1931 martyrs.

Calling the LG administration “temporary guests”, Abdullah said those responsible for preventing political leaders from paying homage would not remain in office forever, while the martyrs’ cemetery would continue to stand. He added that he and his party would visit the site in the future to offer floral tributes and prayers.

Alleges selective treatment of history

Abdullah alleged that the sacrifices of those who fought against British-era rule in Jammu and Kashmir were being ignored because they were Muslims and had opposed the Dogra Maharaja, who ruled under British paramountcy.

He argued that the 1931 movement was not based on religion but represented a struggle for democratic rights, principles and freedom during the British period.

The Chief Minister also said attempts were being made to portray participation in the freedom movement against British rule in a negative light.

Background of the annual observance

July 13 was earlier observed as a public holiday in the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. Every year, officials, political leaders and members of the public would gather at the Martyrs’ Graveyard to pay homage to those killed during the 1931 incident, with police also offering a ceremonial gun salute.

Following the abrogation of Article 370 and the reorganisation of Jammu and Kashmir into a Union Territory in 2019, July 13 was removed from the list of official public holidays. Since then, authorities have not permitted official or public commemorative events at the graveyard.

The Lieutenant Governor continues to exercise authority over key subjects in the Union Territory, including law and order and policing.

Why July 13 is significant

July 13 commemorates the deaths of 22 civilians who were killed in police firing outside Srinagar Central Jail in 1931 while protesting against the rule of Dogra Maharaja Hari Singh during the British era.

The protesters had gathered in support of Abdul Qadeer, who had urged Kashmiris to oppose the Maharaja’s administration.

The incident led to widespread protests and prompted the Maharaja and the British administration to appoint commissions to examine the grievances of the Valley’s Muslim population. It also contributed to political reforms, with Jammu and Kashmir holding its first Assembly elections in 1934, marking the beginning of an electoral process in the region.

Changes after 2019

Since 2020, both July 13 and December 5—the birth anniversary of former Jammu and Kashmir Prime Minister and Chief Minister Sheikh Abdullah—have ceased to be official holidays in the Union Territory.

Instead, the birth anniversary of Dogra ruler Maharaja Hari Singh is now observed as a public holiday in Jammu and Kashmir.