Sonam Wangchuk Criticizes Slow Progress in Ladakh Dialogue with Centre

Sonam Wangchuk, a prominent climate and rights activist from Ladakh, has raised alarms over the slow progress in discussions with the Central government. He highlights the urgent need for dialogue, especially after the revocation of his detention under the NSA. Wangchuk warns that the delay is being exploited to create divisions within the community. The Ladakh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance are pushing for statehood and constitutional protections. The situation escalated into violence during protests last year, leading to casualties and his subsequent detention. Wangchuk's call for action emphasizes the importance of resolving these issues for the region's stability.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 13, 2026, 12:10 IST

Concerns Over Ladakh's Dialogue with the Central Government

File image of the environmentalist and Ladakh rights activist Sonam Wangchuk(Photo: @TheDailyPioneer/X)

Srinagar, April 13: Sonam Wangchuk, a well-known climate activist and advocate for Ladakhi rights, voiced his frustration on Monday regarding the sluggish pace of discussions between Ladakh's representatives and the Central government.

Wangchuk took to X to express his concerns, stating, “It has been exactly one month since my detention under the NSA, 1980 was lifted without conditions. This revocation sparked hope that the Centre was ready to amend previous errors, as it emphasized the importance of 'building mutual trust' for a 'constructive and meaningful dialogue'.”

He further noted, “Despite 2.5 months passing since our last meeting on February 4, no date for the next discussions has been set. In the absence of trust, dubious groups are exploiting this delay to create divisions between the Buddhist and Muslim communities in Leh and Kargil. As the residents of this sensitive border area become increasingly disheartened, I urge Hon’ble PM @narendramodi ji and HM @AmitShah ji to act swiftly for the national interest and resolve these issues promptly.”

The Ladakh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), which represent the union territory, are advocating for statehood, inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, and safeguarding the land and cultural identity of Ladakh.

What began as a peaceful protest for these demands escalated into violence on September 24, 2025, resulting in four fatalities and over 80 injuries, including among security forces, after police fired upon demonstrators in Leh.

Protesters, who were calling for statehood and constitutional protections, clashed with law enforcement, leading to the burning of a BJP office and police vehicles.

The protests turned violent, with incidents of stone-pelting, arson, and damage to police property, prompting the police to resort to tear gas, batons, and ultimately, live ammunition. Sonam Wangchuk was detained under the National Security Act (NSA) and transferred to Jodhpur Jail in Rajasthan for allegedly inciting violence among protesters.

He was released from Jodhpur Central Jail on March 14, after spending 170 days in detention. The Union government lifted his detention under the NSA to encourage dialogue in Ladakh following the protests in September 2025 concerning regional autonomy.