Ladakh Protest: Seeking A Better Future Or A Conspiracy ?

SriLanka, Bangladesh, Manipur, Nepal, and Ladakh have experienced a significant and unforgettable violent protest led by the younger generation. However, the question arises: is this protest truly focused on enhancing the UT or thereby raising concerns for the nation? 

Over the last few years some countries have witnessed major violent protests led by the young generation. It has been said that these violent protest for a more promising future. Additionally, in some contexts, these actions are viewed as a reflection of governmental failure to offer adequate opportunities for the youth. Now, here is the question: does this justify the use of violence? 

The ongoing violence in countries such as Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka has not only resulted in domestic unrest but has also served as provocation for other nations. Any protest harms public property, which is funded by taxpayers. Therefore, the government's top priority should be to protect public property during any type of protest. While it's true that protests are essential for voicing your rights, they should not turn violent. The government also needs to consider ways to prevent protests from becoming deadly.

According to the graph, in 2019 there were 114 instances of board reporting on antigovernment protests, which serves as an indicator. In 2020, there were 87 significant antigovernment protests recorded by Carnegie. The year 2021 saw 76 new protests, also reported by Carnegie.  The ACLED / FES documented protests, related to food, energy, and the cost of living that have impacted numerous countries, which serves as a proxy for the spread of protests. In 2023, approximately 83 new protests emerged across various countries, as per the Carnegie summary. 

For 2024, Carnegie and Allianz reported around 160 significant anti- government occurring in 71 countries over a 12 month period, which is utilized here as proxy for the country count. The year 2025 is partially represented with 30 instances, illustrating many high profile youth-led clashes in countries such as Nepal. Madagascar, and Peru; however, this is not an exhaustive account.

Why Deadly Protest In Ladakh? 

Recently, a massive protest erupted in Ladakh led by young generation. Reports claim that the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), which comprise a combination of socio-political and religious factions from Leh and Kargil respectively, have been planned the agitation since 2021 to advocate for several demands. These includes statehood for Ladakh, the incorporation of Ladakh into Sixth Schedule, the  establishment of the Ladakh Public Service Commission, and the allocation of two parliamentary seats for Ladakh. Additional demands belong to local identity and culture, local languages, environmental concern, and employment opportunities. 

As per the media reports, clashes between protesters and security personnel escalated on September 24. Further, vehicles and offices were torched, stones were pelted in several parts of the town, and police used tear gas and baton charges to disperse crowds.  Approx. five civilians were reported dead and many more injured. 

What is Sixth Schedule Of The Indian Constitution? 

Under the Article 244, the Six Schedule, establishes the creation of autonomous administration division known as Autonomous District (ADCs), which possess legislative, judicial, and administrative independence within a state. Furthermore, under Sixth Schedule, Autonomous District Councils were created with an interest of protesting and cultural interest of the hilly tribes. The major aim of the Sixth Schedule is to provide self-rule to various tribal communities in North Eastern States of the country.

Question: Do you think, Should Ladakh, with a population of 300,000, be granted statehood, especially when the UT is shared border line with China? 

Facts:- 

• Ladakh is desert situated at a high altitude, with 300,000 individuals. It also shares borders with both Pakistan and China. As per the multiples reports, about 47% of the inhabitants of Ladakh are Muslims, while Buddhists constitute 40% of the population. Hindus account for roughly 12%. India has a significant military presence in Ladakh, which encompasses areas of contention along the border with China.  
• Ladakh was designated as Union Territory on October 31,2019. This designation was formalized by the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, which decided he previous state if Jammu and Kashmir inti two district Union Territories. The reorganization sought to enhance Ladakh's integration with India, foster development, and bolster security in the area. The establishment of Ladakh as the Union Territory entailed the division of the former state of Jammu and Kashmir. 
• In the aftermath of the 1962 conflict, China assumed control over the northeastern regions of Ladakh. 
• After 1947, Ladakh remained part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir.
• Ladakh biggest Strength are high income potential, expands markers linkages and exposure, Low carbon and water footprint,  Supports local food security and cultural continuity, deep ecological knowledge. 
• Ladakh weakness are - low productivity due to climatic limitations, Seasonal and highly volatile, labour- intensive, especially during harvest.
• Ladakh has opportunities for creating green jobs through eco-infrastructure, agro-tourism, and traditional food trails, as well as growth in sustainable and cultural tourism sectors.

Who is Sonam Wangchuk and what are his demands? 

Sonam Wangchuk is an Indian activist, education reformer, and environmentalist. Interestingly, Wangchuk invented the Ice Stupa, a conical structure of ice that acts as a natural reservoir, melting to provide water for farming during the summer months and tackling water shortages in Ladakh. He also co-founded the Students' Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL) to improve the local education system. SECMOL created alternative learning methods and promoted sustainable practices. He also received the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2018 for his contributions to education and sustainable development. In short, he can be a great inspiration for today's generation.

What's changed? Here is the Story...

In 2019, man experienced great joy when Ladakh was designated as a Union Territory. However, from 2021 to the present, Wangchuk has organized numerous protests to draw attention to environment concerns and constitutional issues. Prior to the protests and hunger strike, Sonam Wangchuk and his supporters undertook a march spanning one hundred kilometers from Ladakh to Delhi. This march was conducted following a breakdown in communication between the people of Ladakh and the federal government.

Before initiating the hunger strike Mr. Wangchuk and his supporters were detained for several hours. On September 30 2024, at the Delhi borders, 

He also released a statement in which he specified a national-level issue. He mentioned that glaciers of the Himalayas are  the source for water to one fourth of the world's population, and they are melting very fast due to global warming. Every country must fulfill it's responsibility in combating climate change before it becomes too late.

Though, he urged the government of India to reconsider India's target for carbon neutrality from 2070 to a more urgent time frame, like most countries in the world. He concluded it following the government's assurance that discussions would resume in a few days. 

Sonam Wangchuk Hunger Strike Duration

After not receiving any response from the President and the federal government, Wangchuk sat on hunger strike on October 5. However, he mentioned his hunger strike as a "peaceful Gandhian protest," and his fast continued for 21 days and ended on October on 21, 2024. He ended his fast after the Home Ministry assured him of talks on his demands in December 2024. Again on September 10, 2025 Wangchuk initiated a 35-day hunger strike at Shaheed Park in Leh. Throughout this period, individuals from various social organizations nationwide traveled to Ladakh to show their support, resulting in protest. 

Why Wangchuk Went To Pakistan? 

An Indian activist visited Pakistan to attend a climate conference in February 2025 organized by UN Pakistan. Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali Angmo, has shared a video on social media X in which Sonam Wangchuk is seen appreciating India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He was a part of the conference organized by the Dawn group, which is one of the leading media houses in conference was on addressing climate change. The media group not only hosted guest from India but also have guests from Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal, emphasizing that climate represents a challenge requiring a comprehensive approach involving all of South Asia. 

https://x.com/GitanjaliAngmo/status/1972210586533691454?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1972210586533691454%7Ctwgr%5E7df1b34272c22be8fc625512979ef184a49bd90d%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindustantimes.com%2Findia-news%2Findia-can-play-cricket-with-pakistan-why-cant-jailed-activist-wangchuks-wife-posts-question-amid-asia-cup-final-101759072570532.html (you can check the link)

Action Taken By Government & Police After Violence Erupts In Ladakh

• Ministry of Home Affairs cancelled the FCRA license of Activist
• Sonam Wangchuk was arrested, after being accused of inciting the violence in Leh
• Activist Wangchuk detained under the stringent National Security Act.
• Officials prohibited gathering in the districts of Leh and Kargil in Ladakh.
• Ladakh Administration ordered a magisterial inquiry 

FCRA Cancellation 

After the deadly violence took place in Ladakh, Wangchuk ended his fast and urged the people to sustain peace. Further, with " immediate effects," MHA cancelled the FCRA License of Students' Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL), founded by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk. 

FCRA means Foreign Contribution  (Regulation) Act,  The FCRA was enacted during the Emergency in 1976 amid apprehensions that foreign powers were interfering in India's affairs by pumping money into the country through independent organizations. These concerns were actually even older, having been expressed in Parliament in 1969.

It is also an Indian law passed by Parliament to regulate the acceptance and utilization of foreign contributions and hospitality by individuals, associations, and companies in India. Additionally, in 2010 with amendments in 2020, it serves to prevent foreign money or hospitality from being used in activities detrimental to national interests and promotes transparency and compliance by requiring organizations to obtain a mandatory registration and file annual returns.

Notice sent & served on Mr Wangchuk by the local Leh administration in 2007?

Multiple media reports claims that early in February 2007, the local Leh administration sent and served a notice that was signed by the Deputy Commissioner of Leh and flagged several serious against Wangchuk and his NGO. The notice included: 

• Demoralizing government staff and bypassing administrative offices
• Using undignified language and making baseless allegations against officials 
• Illegally occupying 200 Kanals of land without paying dues
• Misusing funds received under the Foreign Contribution Act (FCRA)
• Threatening council and district administration to destabilize local harmony  
• https://x.com/dorani_srinivas/status/1971924309817069810 (You can check this link)

On the other side, the administration of Ladakh defend it's action against Wangchuk in 2007 and inform that the allegations of victimisation of individuals, especially Sonam Wangchuk, are baseless as the action taken against him is based on credible inputs and documents. 

Why Wangchuk Met Bangladesh PM Md Yunus? 

Soon after the deadly violence took place in Ladakh, a photo circulated on social media in which it showed that Sonam Wangchuk hugged Bangladesh Prime Minister Dr. Mohammad Yunus. This image was shared with multiple claims; some asserted that it was taken prior to the Ladakh protest, while others demands severe strictest punishment against Wangchuk. However, following a fact check, these assertions were proven to be false, as the photograph was actually from the year 2020. As per the fact check the original picture uploaded by Sonam Wangchuk on February 8, 2020 and caption was written, " Wonderful Meeting Dr. Yunus at British Commission, Dhaka. Nobel Laureate, one of the biggest social entrepreneurs in the world yet so humble and loving." The important part during 2020 no role to play in political field. He became the Chief advisor of Bangladesh in August 2024 following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government. 

Protest is the only solution for seeking better future? 

Along with protesting, Wangchuk has the opportunity to take proactive steps to enhance UT through innovative initiatives. If climate is primary concern, he should consult with experts to gain a better understanding of the climatic conditions. Ladakh shares a border with China, therefore the decision regarding statehood will not be that easy for the federal government. It is crucial to recognize that the sensitive aspects of any protest can be easily influenced politically. 

You can go through the links 

Director of National Intelligence

Carnegie Endowment

Carnegie Endowment

ACLED / FES 

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