Just as the Ministry of Home Affairs released a statement pointing to climate activist Sonam Wangchuk for inciting the mob in Leh that led to violence and arson leaving over 80 people injured, many critical and 4 people dead, a video clipping of Wangchuk instigating people calling for a Nepal/Bangladesh like protest became viral on social media.
While the central government has requested people to avoid sharing the incendiary speech, they continue to find their place online. In addition, the MHA statement also said that despite appeals from many leaders to end his fast, Wangchuk continued and “misled people through provocative mention of Arab Spring-style protest and references to Gen-Z protests in Nepal.”
📢 Press Release on Ladakh
⭐ A hunger strike was started by Sh Sonam Wangchuk on 10-09-2025 stating the demand of 6th schedule and statehood for Ladakh. It is well known that Government of India has been actively engaged with Apex Body Leh and Kargil Democratic Alliance on…
— PIB – Ministry of Home Affairs (@PIBHomeAffairs) September 24, 2025
“Masses will bring change in Ladakh like Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka”
Anarchist Sonam Wangchuk was inciting mob on 10th Sept & today put Leh on fire with the help of Congress. #Laddakh pic.twitter.com/mJJkuOhKe3
— BALA (@erbmjha) September 24, 2025
It is noteworthy that Wangchuk laid the blame on “Gen Z” when the protests turned violent on 24 September 2025.
In a video statement, he said, “Today, on the 15th day of our fast, I am deeply saddened to report that widespread violence and vandalism erupted in Leh city. Several offices and police vehicles were set on fire. Yesterday, two of those who had been on a 35-day fast here had to be taken to the hospital, in very critical condition. This sparked widespread anger, and a complete shutdown was declared across Leh today. Thousands of young people came out. Some people think they were our supporters. The entire Leh is our supporter. But this was a Gen Z revolution. They have been unemployed for the last 5 years… They are being excluded from jobs… I’ve always said that this is the recipe for social unrest: keeping young people unemployed and snatching away their democratic rights. There’s no democratic platform here today. The Sixth Schedule, which was announced and promised, hasn’t been heeded… However, as of now, I appeal to the young generation of Ladakh, not to follow this path of violence because it thwarts my five years of efforts. I’ve been fasting for so many years, marching peacefully, and then resorting to violence; this is not our path. I request the young generation to approach the government through peace. I want the government to listen to the message of peace. When they ignore peaceful protests and marches, such situations arise. I would urge the government to be sensitive about Ladakh and urge the younger generation to follow the path of peace. This (violence) path is not my path. It is a result of their anger. But this is not the time to vent their anger. It is time to have a calm, cool conversation with the government…”
#WATCH | Leh | Activist Sonam Wangchuk says, “Today, on the 15th day of our fast, I am deeply saddened to report that widespread violence and vandalism erupted in Leh city. Several offices and police vehicles were set on fire. Yesterday, two of those who had been on a 35-day fast… pic.twitter.com/uwkYLBxdYY
— ANI (@ANI) September 24, 2025
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