Ladakh Activists Rally for Sonam Wangchuk, Question Authorities’ Priorities

Ladakh Activists Demand Sonam Wangchuk’s Release, Question Politicisation.

Activists from Ladakh have demanded the immediate release of Ramon Magsaysay awardee Sonam Wangchuk, questioning why his attendance at a UN climate change conference in Pakistan is being politicised, while India continues to play cricket with Pakistan.

Wangchuk was arrested last week under the National Security Act following unrest in Ladakh on September 24, which claimed four civilian lives and one soldier. Authorities allege he incited violence through speeches; he remains in Jodhpur jail.

At a press conference in Delhi, Sajjad Kargili of the Kargil Democratic Alliance said, “He attended a UN climate conference. If cricket with Pakistan isn’t a crime, why is his visit being politicised?” Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali J Angmo, stressed that the visit addressed climate issues beyond geopolitical boundaries and praised PM Modi’s environmental initiatives.

The activists also demanded a judicial probe into the violence and reiterated longstanding demands:

• Statehood for Ladakh
• Sixth Schedule protection for tribal rights
• Gazetted jobs for youth
• Separate Lok Sabha seats for Leh and Kargil

They warned that continued inaction fuels unrest, emphasizing that Ladakhis seek statehood, constitutional safeguards, and protection of culture and resources.