Release Sonam Wangchuk Unconditionally, Say Activists In Delhi

The Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) has issued a strong demand for the immediate and unconditional release of activist Sonam Wangchuk and other detained youth leaders following the violent unrest in Leh on September 24. Speaking at a press conference in New Delhi on Monday, September 29, KDA members warned that the Union Territory (UT) administration’s failure to address Ladakh’s long-standing demands for statehood and constitutional protections is deepening alienation among the region’s people.

Sajjad Kargili, a prominent KDA member, condemned the UT administration’s handling of the situation, holding it directly responsible for the violence that left four people dead and dozens injured, including security personnel. “The Union Territory administration was directly responsible for last week’s violence in Leh,” Kargili said, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. He demanded the immediate release of Sonam Wangchuk, who was arrested on September 26 under the stringent National Security Act (NSA) and is currently lodged in a Jodhpur jail. “We demand the unconditional release of Wangchuk and all other youth leaders detained in Leh,” he asserted.

The press conference, organized under the banner People for Himalaya, also featured voices from other activist groups, including Atul Sati of the Joshimath Bachao Sangharsh Samiti, Mansi Asher of the Himdhara Collective, and Anmol Ohri of the Climate Front Jammu. The event highlighted a broad spectrum of issues, from Ladakh’s demand for statehood to the need for sustainable development in the Himalayan region.

Kargili was unequivocal about the core demands of the people of Ladakh. “The demands for statehood and constitutional safeguards under the 6th Schedule are not negotiable,” he said firmly. He warned that the government’s failure to address these demands amid the nation’s multiple challenges risks increasing the sense of alienation and insecurity in this sensitive border region. “At a time when the nation is facing multiple challenges, such treatment of the people of Ladakh will only increase their alienation and insecurity,” he said, urging the government to “use wisdom and deal with people sensibly.”

The KDA leader also criticized the use of force during the protests. “The way bullets were fired, and many were injured, there should be some accountability,” Kargili said. “This is a big example of why we need democracy.” He questioned the government’s stance on democracy, pointing out the irony in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s frequent references to democracy being in the “DNA” of Indians. “What was wrong in Ladakh demanding democracy?” he asked.

Kargili did not hold back in his critique of the security forces’ response. “The CRPF has failed us,” he said, drawing attention to the contrast between the government’s handling of the China border conflict and the protests in Ladakh. “As many as 20 of our soldiers were martyred on the China border, but the government did not give permission to open fire on the Chinese army. What kind of government is this, which has given the order to open fire on the protesters?” he questioned.

Demanding justice and transparency, Kargili called for an impartial judicial probe into the violence. “When you have information about potential unrest, why didn’t you take preventive measures? Why did you have to fire?” he asked, highlighting the administration’s claim of prior intelligence about the protests. He compared the response to the 2019 abrogation of Article 370 in Kashmir, where a complete shutdown was enforced to maintain peace. “Those who were protesting at the site of the fast were peaceful until the last. This happened outside. We are demanding an impartial judicial probe,” he said.

Kargili acknowledged that the arrest of Sonam Wangchuk has brought national attention to Ladakh’s struggles. “Very few people knew about the struggles of Ladakh, but after the arrest of Sonam Wangchuk, this issue and the demands of Ladakh have reached every home in the country,” he said. He predicted that protests would spread beyond Ladakh, stating, “Earlier, the protest was only in Ladakh; now you will see protests in different parts of the country.”

He also noted that dialogue with the Union Government had only been initiated after Wangchuk’s fast began, with a meeting scheduled for Tuesday, September 30. “A sense of alienation, betrayal, is increasing among the people of Ladakh,” Kargili said. “The people of Ladakh are the strength of this country. They should not be pushed to the wall.”

Kargili was critical of the Union Territory status, which he said had failed to address the aspirations of Ladakh’s people. “The idea of Union Territory has failed badly in addressing the aspirations of the people,” he said. He accused authorities of using festivals to distract the people and keep them away from meaningful policy discussions. “The Ladakhis are demanding the protection of their tribal identity and the actual delivery of democracy,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Leh Apex Body (LAB), another key stakeholder in the agitation, announced that it would boycott talks with the High Powered Committee of the Ministry of Home Affairs until normalcy is restored in Ladakh. LAB chairman Thupstan Chhewang said at a press conference in Leh, “We have unanimously agreed that in view of the situation prevailing in Ladakh, as long as peace is not restored, we will not participate in any talks.”

Chhewang urged the Home Ministry and UT administration to take urgent steps to address the prevailing atmosphere of fear, grief, and anger. “We urge the Home Ministry and UT administration to take steps to address the current atmosphere of fear, grief and anger,” he said, underscoring the need for immediate action to restore trust and peace in the region.