Ladakh Activists Demand Sonam Wangchuk's Release After Climate Conference Controversy

Sonam Wangchuk has been detained under the National Security Act and is currently incarcerated in a Jodhpur jail.

New Delhi:

Leaders of the Kargil Democratic Alliance today demanded the immediate release of Sonam Wangchuk, questioning the basis for associating him with Pakistan merely for attending a climate change conference in Islamabad. They highlighted the contradiction in politicizing Wangchuk's visit while India continues cricket engagements with Pakistan despite bilateral tensions.

Activists from Ladakh gathered in Delhi to protest Wangchuk's detention under the National Security Act. The Ramon Magsaysay award recipient was arrested following unrest in Ladakh that resulted in four fatalities. Government officials have accused Wangchuk of provoking violence through his speeches. He is presently held in Jodhpur.

During the Delhi press conference, Sajjad Kargili from the Kargil Democratic Alliance stated, "He attended a UN conference on climate change. If playing cricket matches with Pakistan is not considered unlawful, why is this being politicized?"

Previously, Ladakh's Director General of Police SD Singh Jamwal had referenced Wangchuk's "suspicious" visits to Pakistan. He mentioned that the activist participated in an event hosted by Dawn newspaper and maintained contact with a Pakistani individual of Indian origin. This visit occurred in February this year.

Gitanjali J Angmo, Wangchuk's wife and a social entrepreneur, informed NDTV that they traveled to Pakistan to participate in a UN conference addressing climate change.

"It was a conference organized at the request of the United Nations... which collaborates with all countries in the Himalayan region because climate change and glacier issues transcend national boundaries when causing floods in Pakistan or India. Some matters exceed geopolitical considerations, requiring cooperation between countries despite existing tensions," she explained. She added that during his address, Wangchuk even commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his initiatives combating air pollution, reducing carbon emissions, and addressing climate change.

The Kargil Democratic Alliance called for a judicial investigation into the September 24 violence in Leh, which claimed the life of a soldier. "We have sacrificed to protect our borders. How is such treatment justified? One of the deceased was a soldier, and the government bears responsibility. Ordering fire on protesters constitutes a crime itself," Kargili asserted.

The activists reiterated four longstanding demands: statehood for Ladakh, inclusion under the Constitution's Sixth Schedule, gazetted employment opportunities for youth, and separate parliamentary representation for Leh and Kargil. "The demand for Sixth Schedule protection and statehood is non-negotiable," Kargili emphasized, accusing the government of preferring "bureaucratic administration while citizens remain voiceless and excluded." He noted that every dialogue with central authorities had only materialized after persistent protests. "During periods of our silence, no progress occurs. Even this year, government talks were arranged only after 11 days of continuous protest."

Environmental justice advocate Manshi Asher observed that the movement was being mischaracterized, despite its foundation in concerns about cultural identity, democratic governance, and unemployment. "Young people are responding now because livelihoods are deteriorating and cultural identity is threatened," she stated.

The Ladakh representatives will meet with Ministry of Home Affairs officials tomorrow, preceding a high-level conference scheduled for October 6. "We have engaged in discussions extensively, but without tangible results. The government must proceed with wisdom and sensitivity, as Ladakh's population already experiences alienation," remarked Kargili.

Ladakh, formerly part of Jammu and Kashmir state, was established as a Union Territory when the BJP-led central government revoked Jammu and Kashmir's special status in 2019, dividing it into two Union Territories, including Ladakh.

While initially welcomed, Ladakh has experienced increasing discontent with central governance over the past three years. Residents have consistently advocated for statehood and constitutional provisions protecting their land, culture, and resources.

Ladakhi activists now seek restoration of statehood and implementation of Sixth Schedule protections to safeguard tribal rights, cultural heritage, and natural resources.