Sonam Wangchuk's provocative statements led to Ladakh violence: Govt
At least four people were killed and more than 60 others were injured as protests held in Leh by demonstrators demanding statehood for Ladakh turned violent.
The Central government on Wednesday hit out at climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and blamed him for the violent protests that led to four deaths and injuries to over 60 people in Leh as they demanded statehood for Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
The Ministry of Home Affairs said that it was evident that Wangchuk's "provocative statements" incited the mob.
Following the unrest, the Union Territory administration in Leh imposed a curfew under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, immediately banning protests and gatherings in Leh.
The local BJP office was set on fire and a vehicle was also torched, as protesters resorted to arson. Police used teargas and baton charged the protesters to contain the violence.
"On 24th September, at around 11.30 am, a mob instigated by his provocative speeches left the venue of the hunger strike and attacked a political party office as well as Government office of the CEC Leh," the statement read. "Incidentally, amidst these violent developments, he broke his fast and left for his village in an ambulance without making serious efforts to control the situation," the government alleged.
Wangchuk, known for his activism in Ladakh, began an indefinite hunger strike on 10 September seeking constitutional guarantees, greater autonomy, statehood, and Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh.
The government noted that parallel channels of dialogue had been ongoing with regional groups such as the Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance, through a High-Powered Committee (HPC), subcommittees, and informal meetings.
It further said the talks have already borne fruit: reservation for Scheduled Tribes in Ladakh was raised from 45% to 84%, one-third representation for women was introduced in local councils, and Bhoti and Purgi were recognised as official languages. Recruitment for about 1,800 posts has also been initiated.
"However, certain politically motivated individuals were not happy with the progress made under HPC has been trying to sabotage the dialogue process," the statement added.
Ladakh was carved out as a separate Union Territory in 2019 after the abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir. However, unlike Jammu and Kashmir, it was left without a legislature, placing the region under direct central rule.
Since then, Ladakh has witnessed several protests demanding statehood, constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule, and greater local autonomy to protect its tribal identity and fragile ecosystem.
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