Ladakh Protests Turn Violent; Activist Sonam Wangchuk Ends Hunger Strike
Protests demanding statehood and constitutional safeguards for Ladakh escalated into violent clashes with police in Leh. Protestors pelted stones and burned a police vehicle, prompting police to use tear gas. Amid the violence, climate activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 15-day hunger strike, appealing for peace and urging the government to engage in dialogue. The unrest highlights the growing political discontent in the region since it became a Union Territory in 2019.
Unpacked:
Protestors seek statehood and Sixth Schedule constitutional safeguards to ensure greater autonomy, protection of local culture, preservation of land rights, and better control over resources. Concerns have grown since Ladakh became a Union Territory, as many fear marginalization and loss of decision-making power under direct central rule.
The central government has rejected demands for statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule but expressed willingness to negotiate on creating a local public service commission and granting Ladakh two parliamentary seats. Talks between Ladakhi leaders and the government have so far reached an impasse.
Sonam Wangchuk is a prominent environmentalist and innovator from Ladakh. He staged a 15-day hunger strike to highlight the region’s concerns and has appealed for peaceful dialogue between protestors and the government. Wangchuk’s activism has drawn national attention to Ladakh’s demands.
In 2019, Ladakh was separated from Jammu & Kashmir and made a Union Territory, removing its legislature and placing it under direct central administration. While some welcomed this for increased visibility, many now worry about cultural erosion, diminished local autonomy, and threats to land and resource rights, fueling ongoing unrest.