Leh: Prominent education reformer and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has alleged that Ladakh is witnessing an “atmosphere of fear, silence and distrust” following the protests, arrests and firing incidents of September 2025, and urged the Central Government to initiate meaningful dialogue with the people of the Union Territory.
In an interview with The Wire, Wangchuk claimed that the developments after the September 2025 unrest had deeply shaken public confidence in the administration and the ruling establishment.
Recalling the agitation over demands for statehood, constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule and restoration of democratic rights in Ladakh, Wangchuk said the people had only sought promises allegedly made to them after Ladakh became a Union Territory in 2019.
“We were asking for restoration of democracy through a legislature or statehood and constitutional protection for the tribal population under the Sixth Schedule. These were promises repeatedly made during elections,” he said.
Wangchuk alleged that tensions escalated after prolonged delays in talks with the Centre, eventually leading to protests by unemployed youth in September 2025. He described the subsequent police action as “disproportionate”, claiming that four persons lost their lives and 83 people were arrested.
“Even if protesters had to be stopped, rubber bullets could have been used. Instead, bullets struck people in the chest and head,” he said, while referring to the deaths during the unrest. The activist, who was detained under the National Security Act (NSA) for nearly six months, said the experience created “fear and disbelief” among the people of Ladakh.
“When even peaceful protesters and local youth are treated like threats to the nation, people naturally begin to lose trust,” he said. Wangchuk maintained that his detention under the NSA was eventually revoked before the Supreme Court could deliver its judgment, and expressed disappointment that no judicial verdict emerged on the matter.
He, however, said the revocation order had initially raised hopes of “meaningful dialogue and trust-building” between Ladakh and the Centre.
Referring to the recent visit of Union Home Minister Amit Shah to Ladakh during Buddha Purnima celebrations, Wangchuk alleged that the public response reflected widespread dissatisfaction among the people. He claimed that despite official arrangements and mobilisation efforts, public participation remained low during the Home Minister’s visit and the Buddha Purnima gathering.
“People chose silence to send a message that they are unhappy with how the situation has been handled,” he said.
Wangchuk also questioned the announcement and implementation of five new districts in Ladakh, arguing that the primary demand of the people remained restoration of democratic safeguards rather than administrative restructuring.
“The illness was of democracy, but the medicine offered was administrative reorganisation,” he remarked. The activist further alleged that several youth in Ladakh were facing unemployment and growing disillusionment due to unfulfilled assurances regarding jobs and constitutional protections.
He cautioned that continued neglect of public sentiment in Ladakh could have serious implications for a sensitive border region sharing frontiers with both China and Pakistan. “Local people are among India’s greatest strengths in border areas. Governments should not lose their trust and emotional connection with the nation,” Wangchuk said.
During the interview, Wangchuk also spoke about investigations and administrative actions involving the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives, Ladakh (HIAL), alleging that various agencies were used to pressure institutions associated with him after he joined the movement for Ladakh’s constitutional safeguards.
He asserted that despite the current situation, the people of Ladakh had not lost hope completely and would continue pursuing their demands democratically. “We still hope the message reaches the Government and that sincere efforts are made to heal the wounds and restore trust in Ladakh,” Wangchuk said.
