After making incendiary speeches to instigate violence during the ‘hunger strike’ in Leh, Ladakh, alleged climate activist Sonam Wangchuk blamed the “Gen Z” for the violence and arson.
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
According to the government, Wangchuk had begun a hunger strike on 10 September 2025 demanding Sixth Schedule status and statehood for Ladakh. Officials stated that the Centre has been in active dialogue with the Apex Body Leh (ABL) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) on these issues through a High-Powered Committee (HPC), a sub-committee, and several informal meetings.
The government said this mechanism had already yielded phenomenal results, including increasing reservation for Scheduled Tribes in Ladakh from 45% to 84%, one-third reservation for women in the councils, and the declaration of Bhoti and Purgi as official languages. Recruitment for 1,800 posts had also been initiated.
However, the statement alleged that “certain politically motivated individuals” were unhappy with the progress and were attempting to sabotage the dialogue. The next HPC meeting is scheduled for October 6, while additional meetings with Ladakhi leaders are planned for September 25 and 26.
📢 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
MHA statement clearly pointed out to Wangchuk for inciting the mob and stated 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.”
⭐ The demands on which Mr Wangchuk was on hunger strike are integral part of the discussion in HPC. In spite of many leaders urging to call off the hunger strike he continued with the hunger strike and misleading the people through provocative mention of Arab Spring-style…
— PIB – Ministry of Home Affairs (@PIBHomeAffairs) September 24, 2025
The statement also alleged that amidst the violence, Wangchuk broke his fast and left for his village in an ambulance “without making serious efforts to control the situation.”
⭐ It is clear that the mob was incited by Shri Sonam Wangchuk through his provocative statements. Incidentally, amidst these violent developments, he broke his fast and left for his village in an ambulance without making serious efforts to control the situation.
⭐ The…
— PIB – Ministry of Home Affairs (@PIBHomeAffairs) September 24, 2025
Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.