The recent violent protests in Ladakh have captured national attention, not just for the unrest itself but for the broader questions they raise about development, governance, and strategic security. What may appear as a local agitation for greater autonomy and protections is, on closer inspection, part of a complex interplay of political, environmental, and geopolitical factors that demand careful analysis.

The Protest and Its Roots

The immediate trigger for the protests is a demand to include Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, which would grant the Union Territory greater autonomy over local governance, taxation, and judicial powers. Protesters argue that such powers are necessary to preserve the region’s unique culture, language, and fragile environment.

Many observers, however, question the choice of the Sixth Schedule rather than the Fifth Schedule. The Fifth Schedule applies to most tribal areas in Central and Southern India and allows local councils to advise on development planning in coordination with the state governor. The Sixth Schedule, which currently covers tribal regions in the Northeast, provides far greater powers, including the ability to execute development projects independently, collect taxes, and manage judicial functions. Granting Sixth Schedule status to Ladakh would thus represent a significant legal and constitutional shift, requiring an amendment.

This legal nuance is critical. Critics argue that if implemented, Sixth Schedule powers could slow down critical infrastructure projects in the region, such as highways, tunnels, and airstrips—projects vital for both local development and national security in this border-sensitive area.

Selective Protest: Who Is Involved?

It is important to note that not all residents of Ladakh are participating in or supporting these protests. Analysts have described the movement as driven by a select group of activists (you know who they are) who have used environmental and cultural concerns to amplify their visibility. These activists claim that India’s development projects are harming Ladakh’s delicate ecology. Yet, similar or even larger-scale projects by China in neighboring regions such as Aksai Chin, Western Tibet, and Xinjiang have not provoked comparable protests.

Over the past few years, China has developed extensive infrastructure in these areas, including strategic highways, airstrips, and military bases, releasing millions of tons of carbon dioxide into the environment in the process. Local observers note the irony: while Chinese development was largely ignored, Indian development in the same ecologically sensitive region is being framed as environmentally destructive. Was the environment not fragile then?

A Strategic Laboratory?

Some analysts have described Ladakh as a “laboratory” for protest tactics. Observers note parallels with developments in Nepal, where protests were reportedly organized under the guise of legal or judicial issues to engineer a regime change. In Ladakh, the protests are framed as environmental and cultural advocacy, but they may serve broader strategic objectives, including testing protest methodologies that could later be applied elsewhere in India.

These tactics include:

• Street protests – visibly mobilizing citizens on emotive issues like language, culture, and ecology.
• Media campaigns – amplifying narratives of ecological damage and the insensitivity of the government.
• Intellectual framing – engaging think tanks, podcasts, and debates to sustain the narrative at a national level.

The careful orchestration of these campaigns suggests that the unrest is not entirely spontaneous but part of a wider, planned strategy.

Geopolitical Dimensions

The protests also have significant geopolitical implications. Analysts point to the role of China’s United Front Work Department, a specialized branch of its Ministry of State Security tasked with shaping foreign narratives and obstructing strategic projects abroad.

According to experts, the department employs a two-pronged approach:

Aggressive media posture – using public statements, renaming of places, and symbolic gestures to influence perceptions. For example, China has repeatedly claimed Arunachal Pradesh as part of South Tibet in international discourse.

Obstructionist campaigns – framing Indian development projects in Ladakh and Kashmir as environmentally destructive, thereby creating delays or resistance at local and national levels.

This strategy aligns with China’s broader objective of maintaining a strategic edge in the Himalayan region by slowing India’s infrastructure parity, particularly in border-sensitive areas.

Development vs Ecology

The protests spotlight a deeper tension between development and ecological concerns. ‘Activists’ like Sonam Wangchuk argue that India’s projects in Ladakh threaten fragile ecosystems and tribal cultures. Yet environmental arguments are selectively applied, as similar large-scale Chinese projects in the region received little to no pushback.

Experts note that climate change and environmental degradation are global commons problems. Industrialization in other parts of the world has contributed far more to atmospheric carbon dioxide than localized development in India. Despite this, India’s projects in Ladakh are criticized, demonstrating the selective framing used in the protest narrative.

Political Implications

Domestically, the protests intersect with ongoing political struggles. Analysts note that the Congress party and certain local actors may be using the unrest to challenge the ruling BJP, weaken public perception of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and create a broader narrative of governmental insensitivity. We already saw that despite the mob being of an older age group, Congress and supporting handles on social media called it “Gen Z protest” after Wangchuk blamed them for the arson and violence.
While the majority of Ladakh’s population is not involved, a small, vocal ‘activist’ group has been able to attract significant attention, making use of national media and social media platforms.

The Ladakh protests can thus be seen as part of a larger pattern: attempts to create street-level unrest, amplify grievances via media, and frame the narrative in ways that slow down government initiatives. This pattern has parallels with previous campaigns, including protests around the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and other socio-political movements in India.

This comes exactly a week after Rahul Gandhi called on the youth, students, and Gen Z to “save the Constitution, protect democracy, and stop vote theft,” effectively encouraging them to mobilize politically against the government. By framing the youth as defenders of democracy, he positions them to take direct action, which can be interpreted as instigating unrest. His remarks echo regional examples like Nepal, where youth-led movements spiraled into protests and chaos, suggesting a potential blueprint for similar disruption in India. Critics argue that his message is less about safeguarding democracy and more about stirring dissent among young people against the current government, with Rahul himself cast as a guiding figure.

Looking Ahead

While the immediate unrest may have calmed, observers warn that the real work of shaping narratives is only beginning. Intellectual discourse, media debates, and online campaigns are expected to continue framing India’s development as ecologically insensitive, potentially creating long-term obstacles for projects in Ladakh and similar regions.

The protests highlight the need for citizens, policymakers, and analysts to critically assess the motivations behind movements. Not every demonstration is purely local; some may be influenced by broader political or geopolitical agendas. Understanding these layers is crucial, especially in regions like Ladakh, which are simultaneously ecologically fragile, strategically vital, and historically marginalized.

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The post Unpacking The Politics And Geopolitics Behind The Leh Violence Spearheaded By Sonam Wangchuk appeared first on The Commune.

Leh continues to remain under curfew for the fourth consecutive day following large-scale violence on September 24 that left four people dead, and many others injured. Ladakh Director General of Police (DGP) SD Singh Jamwal confirmed the toll on Saturday and said that strict restrictions remained in place across the Union Territory.

Addressing a press conference, Jamwal said the detention of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act (NSA) was necessary to restore peace. He alleged that Wangchuk and other activists attempted to derail talks between Ladakh groups and the Centre on statehood and Sixth Schedule demands. He further said that Wangchuk’s alleged links with Pakistan had emerged during investigations and were under probe.

September 24 Violence

According to the DGP, nearly 7,000 people pelted stones at buildings, police, and paramilitary forces during the protests in Leh. He said CRPF personnel were “mercilessly beaten,” with one still critical. He added that three women personnel were inside a building when rioters attempted to set it on fire, but they narrowly escaped.

Jamwal described the incident as unprecedented in Ladakh’s history. He said his own vehicle was attacked and he sustained minor injuries. He added that 80 security personnel, including 17 CRPF and 15 Ladakh police, were injured in the violence. He said 70–80 civilians were also injured, including seven who were critically hurt. One girl was airlifted to Delhi for treatment.

Jamwal said firing took place in self-defence, which resulted in four deaths. He noted that three Nepali nationals were among those who sustained bullet injuries.

Allegations Against Sonam Wangchuk

The DGP alleged that Wangchuk had a history of instigation, citing references to movements in Nepal, Bangladesh, and the Arab Spring. He said that Wangchuk had made provocative speeches and statements that attempted to derail the Centre’s discussions with the Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA). He said FIRs had been registered in connection with the speeches.

Jamwal claimed that possible violations of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), 2010, were being investigated. He said agencies were also probing Wangchuk’s alleged visits to Pakistan and potential foreign funding links.

The DGP said a Pakistan Intelligence Operative (PIO), who was allegedly “reporting” on Wangchuk, had been arrested with incriminating material. He said the PIO had been “in touch” with Wangchuk and was sending reports across the border.

We also arrested a Pakistan PIO (Pakistan Intelligence Officer) in the recent past who was in touch with Sonam Wangchuk and reporting back across. We have a record of this –

Ladakh DGP Dr. S.D Singh Jamwal

pic.twitter.com/hnZwwz8me4

— Aman Chopra (@AmanChopra_) September 27, 2025

Arrests and Security Measures

Jamwal confirmed that 44 people had been arrested so far, including five to six individuals described as “ringleaders.” He said that police had prior intelligence of possible disturbances, which led to security deployments.

He said that despite the unrest, security forces exercised restraint. He noted that while the forces were entitled to use firearms in self-defence, they worked to control the situation without escalation.

Wangchuk’s Arrest

Major clashes on September 24 saw protesters torch police vehicles and attack the BJP office in Leh. Following the unrest, prohibitory orders banning assembly of more than five people were imposed in major towns, including Kargil.

The police later arrested Wangchuk on Friday. He was taken into custody by a team led by DGP Jamwal and lodged in a jail in Rajasthan’s Jodhpur under NSA provisions.

The Ladakh administration issued a statement late Friday night, saying Wangchuk’s detention was important to restore normalcy in Leh and to prevent him from further acting in a manner prejudicial to public order.

Jamwal said Ladakh police would not spare anyone attempting to destabilise peace. He expressed confidence that Ladakh would overcome the crisis and hold peace.

(With inputs from News18)

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A review of international media coverage following the violent protests in Leh, Ladakh, on 24 September 2025, has identified a pattern of reporting that appears to justify the unrest. The protests, which resulted in four fatalities and numerous injuries after clashes between demonstrators and police, were covered by numerous global outlets.

In this report, we take a look at ten international media articles published on 24 and 25 September 2025 that consistently framed the events with a bias against the Indian government, portrayed protesters sympathetically, and included contextual details critics deem irrelevant or inflammatory.

#1 Al Jazeera Article Casts Police as ‘Culprits’

On 24 September 2025, an Al Jazeera article was accused of explicitly casting police as the main aggressors, detailing their use of tear gas and batons. It highlighted accusations that the government had not addressed local concerns. By reiterating the region’s religious demographics and direct rule from New Delhi, the report wove together themes of political neglect and state violence. This framing placed the onus for the clash on the authorities, thereby justifying the protesters’ stance and actions as a response to provocation.

#2 DW Highlights ‘Loss of Autonomy’

On 24 September 2025, DW’s coverage described the 2019 reorganization of Ladakh primarily as a “loss of autonomy,” a framing critics argue overlooks the constitutional and legal context. The article included demographic breakdowns of the region’s Muslim and Buddhist populations, details questioned as irrelevant to the immediate report on the violence. By defining the event as a “clash” and anchoring it to the perceived loss of political status, the report was accused of establishing a pretext that implicitly justified the protesters’ actions as an inevitable response to governmental overreach.

#3 Washington Post Blames Environmental, Political Factors

On 25 September 2025, The Washington Post article attempted to portray the violence as a “natural outcome” of local frustrations, both political and environmental. It mentioned protester stone-pelting only after describing police intervention. The report highlighted the region’s religious demographics and introduced claims that militarization since the 2020 China standoff worsened pollution and glacier melt. By blending these issues with the political discontent, the article was accused of constructing a multi-faceted justification for the unrest, framing it as an ecological and political rebellion rather than a violent clash.

#4 Reuters Emphasizes ‘Direct Rule’ from Delhi

On 25 September 2025, Reuters reported that the “Buddhist-Muslim enclave… lost its autonomy in 2019,” to be placed under “direct administration of New Delhi.” It prominently featured a quote from a protest leader stating that past demonstrations had been peaceful and questioning “who gave the orders to shoot.” This framing was seen as portraying the central government as an oppressive force and the protesters as historically reasonable, thereby suggesting that the government’s actions were the primary catalyst for the escalation into violence.

#5 ABC News Echoes WaPo’s Narrative

On 25 September 2025, ABC News published an article identical to The Washington Post’s, replicating its framing of the events. It described the fatalities as “killings” and reported on strike calls in Kargil “against Wednesday’s killings.” This duplication amplified a narrative that presented the violence as a direct and understandable reaction to state actions, with language (“killings”) that implied culpability on the part of authorities, thereby justifying the protestors’ anger and subsequent actions in the eyes of the reader.

#6 BBC Focuses on Job Quotas and ‘Imposed’ Rule

On 25 September 2025, the BBC’s coverage used the term “imposing direct rule” to describe the 2019 changes. It framed the protestors’ demands around pragmatic concerns like “job and land quotas,” suggesting economic disenfranchisement as the core issue. By focusing on these socio-economic grievances and the top-down nature of governance, the report implicitly argued that the violence was a desperate measure by communities fighting for their economic future under a system they perceive as unfairly imposed, providing a rationale for the escalation.

#7 NBC News Sympathizes with Activists, Accuses Police Force 

On 25 September 2025, NBC News reported that protesters threw stones only after police tried to stop their march. It sympathetically described activist Sonam Wangchuk as a “top climate activist” and detailed police use of bullets, tear gas, and batons. This portrayal was accused of minimizing protester violence while emphasizing state aggression, creating a narrative of a peaceful movement met with disproportionate force. This framing serves to justify the protesters’ actions as a defensive response to state-initiated violence.

#8 The New York Times Points to ‘Spilled Over’ Anger

On 25 September 2025, The New York Times article stated that protesters’ “anger spilled over into deadly protests after two hunger strikers were hospitalized.” This language suggests the violence was an inevitable, almost organic, outcome of escalating emotions rather than a deliberate act. The description of Ladakh being under “tight central government control” further contextualized the unrest as a pushback against an authoritarian setup, providing a political justification for the violent expression of dissent.

#9 AP News Suggests ‘Joy Gave Way to Fear’

On 24 September 2025, an AP News report stated that while Ladakh residents initially welcomed the 2019 changes, “joy soon gave way to fears of land grabs” and ecological damage. Like other reports, it mentioned stone-pelting as a reaction to police intervention and described police actions aggressively. This narrative arc of initial hope turning to betrayal was seen as a powerful literary device to rationalize the subsequent anger and violence, framing it as a deeply felt reaction to broken trust and perceived threats to the region’s future.

#10 Al Jazeera Frames Unrest as ‘Gen-Z Movement’

In a 25 September 2025 article, that Al Jazeera titled as “’Bloodiest day’: How Gen-Z protest wave hit India’s Ladakh”, they characterized the violence as a youth-led movement born from frustration over “fake promises.” This came after a 24 September 2025 article which tried to frame police as culprits. The second report emphasized the 2019 constitutional change as a “loss of statehood” leading to rule by “bureaucrats.” By quoting protest leaders calling for peace after the fact and framing the event within a global narrative of youth activism, the article was seen as providing a sympathetic rationale for the violent outburst, shifting focus from the acts of violence to the grievances prompting them.

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The post 10 Times International Media Justified Leh Violence appeared first on The Commune.

Leh Police on Friday arrested Ladakh activist Sonam Wangchuk as violent protests over statehood and Sixth Schedule demands escalated in the region. The clashes have claimed at least four lives and left over 90 people injured, officials confirmed.

The protests, led jointly by Wangchuk, the Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance, centre on demands for full statehood for Ladakh and constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule. To press these demands, Wangchuk began a hunger strike on 10 September 2025, which he ended on 24 September 2025 after 15 days, citing rising violence.

A day before his arrest, Wangchuk spoke to NDTV and said he had already prepared himself for detention. When asked about the possibility, he replied: “If for this cause I have to be arrested, I’m preparing for that. Looking forward to it. I don’t want to be in confusion, so I have made up my mind that I will be arrested.”

He further remarked that his imprisonment would create even greater challenges for the authorities than his presence at protests: “Sonam Wangchuk in jail will be equally, if not more, problematic as Sonam Wangchuk outside participating in dialogues and discussions. It will awaken people more about how this country is being run.”

Describing his past work, the activist noted his contributions to education, collaboration with the Indian defence forces in building solar-heated shelters, and his campaign against Chinese imports: “People who have given their lives for the education of the young, defence of the country, who have worked with the Indian defence forces to build them solar heated shelters, who has launched movements against China — the made-in-China boycott movement was launched by me. If such a person is jailed and corrupt people are freely roaming around, that will be a great scene for the nation to see and understand what’s happening in our country.”

Authorities have not yet issued a formal statement on Wangchuk’s arrest.

(With inputs from News18)

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The post Anarchist Sonam Wangchuk Arrested After Deadly Leh Violence, Had Earlier Said “Sonam Wangchuk In Jail Will Be Equally, If Not More, Problematic” appeared first on The Commune.

In what many are calling a glaring example of irresponsible journalism, senior journalist Rajdeep Sardesai is under heavy fire for giving a prime-time space to alleged climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, the man widely viewed as the face of the violent unrest in Leh. The interview, which aired in the aftermath of arson and violence in Ladakh’s capital, is being slammed for subtly absolving Wangchuk of responsibility while downplaying the Congress party’s alleged involvement in the protests.

The criticism stems not only from the timing of the interview coming immediately after mob-led violence and arson that left over 80 people injured, many critically, and four dead, with police vans torched and the BJP office set ablaze but also from the way Sardesai framed his questions, which many claim were carefully worded to shift blame away from certain political actors.

Sardesai opened the interview by stating, “What’s happened today is extremely tragic. The agitation that you triggered off with your fast demanding statehood for Ladakh turning violent. The BJP office being burned down. The police vans being attacked and we are told at least four of the protesters have died in the firing. How do you see the events that have happened in the last few hours? Sonam Wangchuk.”

Wangchuk, rather than directly condemning the violence, launched into a narrative that subtly pinned the blame on government inaction and delayed talks. He said, “Rajdeep, this is one of the saddest days in my life generally and particularly during this movement. For the last 5 years, we have maintained utmost peace and always peaceful approaches following Mahatma Gandhi’s path with an many times. This is the fifth time and of five weeks we marched from Leh to Delhi inflicted pain on ourselves but never on others. But today was something totally unexpected out of the blue very organic when youth came out and went on a rampage. I’m extremely saddened about it but at the same time I can understand their frustration because on one hand they have been jobless for the last five years. There have been no almost no jobs particularly at the higher levels and democracy has been curtailed their demands have been unmet. So this frustration was painting you know inside and it started actually not today. It started yesterday when out of the 15 people who are on long fast others on a short one day fast. Out of them one elderly man and an elderly lady on their 14th day of fast were in critical condition and had to be hospitalized. They were taken on stretchers and that boiled their blood. Together with the fact that the government had given a date for talks which was so far away almost unnecessarily like 16 days away from the day it was announced when people are in such critical conditions you don’t keep 16 days away the talk. So people were very upset with this and that was the immediate cause.” 

This narrative, critics argue, dangerously walks the line between justification and denial, with Wangchuk essentially excusing violent actions as an emotional outburst triggered by legitimate grievances, an explanation many feel dangerously normalizes mob violence.

What has further raised eyebrows is Sardesai’s subsequent question that echoed BJP allegations but gave Congress a convenient pass, “You’re saying this is the fury and frustration of the youth. Many of them unemployed, many of them angry that demands are not being met. but we are also hearing the BJP hitting back and now claiming that the protests were organized orchestrated by the Congress. They claim there were Congress council or there was a Congress counselor who was there on the streets going and inciting the violence. Has this protest of yours been taken over by politics and political parties? Is it totally apolitical? Can you say that with confidence that there was no politics involved in the violence?”

Wangchuk responded by firmly denying any political backing and dismissed Congress involvement, claiming they lack the influence to mobilize 5,000 people. This assertion, too, has been questioned especially given the volatile political climate and visible involvement of political elements on the ground. Furthermore, Wangchuk admitted a Congress councillor had expressed “a lot of anger” the day before the violence, but downplayed his role.

He asserted, “Totally. Already you should understand that from the apex body Congress was asked to leave just to keep it apolitical, although it was all political by having all parties. Then BJP exited few years ago there was only Congress and people said it was being politicized. So recently the chairman of the Apex body asked Congress to leave. So they even left the whole forum and therefore it was apolitical and even in the movement these were like 4 (4,000) to 5,000 young people and I know Congress they’re not so competent that one leader of theirs can call 5,000 people that would be too much credit of their influence on the people. They don’t have any such influence. I know and and to correct the fact it’s Not that they were on the road going people. What what it is is that yesterday one Congress counselor did a press conference which was with lot of anger because two of these anshan (hunger strike protesters) people who went in critical conditions was from his own village. So he was expressing that anger that alone.”

In a later statement that many found even more disturbing, Wangchuk seemed to rationalize the burning of police vehicles, saying, “Now police vans being burnt often happens because the police is what stops from carnage and damage to property. So, they come in between.”

Equally troubling was his take on the BJP office being torched, which he blamed on public anger over broken promises, “As for the BJP office, I think people here have a lot of anger against the BJP because in 2020 they had in their manifesto as point number one kept that Ladak will be taken under sixth schedule. They completely took a U-turn, and the next election is supposed to be in October and they’re trying to not keep it this time also. So people have lot of frustration about that even the jobs BJP leaders had you know on on public domain said there’ll be 22,000 jobs there’ll be 6,000 jobs all kinds of promises and hardly a one or 2,000 maybe but nothing like as they promised. So there has been a pentup frustration against them and that’s the only way I can explain.”

Rather than condemning the violence in absolute terms, Wangchuk consistently framed it as an unfortunate but understandable reaction to prolonged dissatisfaction raising serious ethical concerns.

In a moment of stunning irony, Wangchuk later shifted blame to the government for letting the protests escalate ignoring the fact that he himself initiated the agitation and allowed tensions to simmer. He said, “I think it is for the government to also think that they are allowing it to happen in a sensitive border area. They had five years to listen to peaceful ways of expression. You know with the first anshan, second anshan, third anshan they could have settled some of these but they kept dillydallying and you know with wishy-washy solutions and uh people had there were many hints from youth leaders and even uh not so young leaders that uh criticized me actually very badly saying that your path of peace is no use it’s not working at least with this government and we now have to take a different path and they would accuse me for keeping to the peaceful path of anshan. So this was already building up.”

This comment, exposes Wangchuk’s role not just as a peaceful protester but as someone who either miscalculated the direction of his movement or willingly ignored its radical shift.

The interview, aired at a time when tempers are already inflamed and lives have been lost, has been roundly condemned on social media. Many users accused Sardesai of effectively sanitizing the role of both Wangchuk and the Congress party while subtly directing all blame toward the ruling BJP. In a political landscape where Gen Z-led protests like those seen in Nepal are gaining traction, this kind of media portrayal is seen as not just biased but actively harmful.

By giving airtime to incendiary figures without rigorous challenge, and by appearing to sympathize with those linked to violence, the interview is being viewed as an example of journalism that crosses the line from reportage to recklessness.

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The post Rajdeep Sardesai Gives Anarchist Sonam Wangchuk Free Rein When He Justifies Leh Violence, Arson As ‘Frustration’ appeared first on The Commune.

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

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The post Leh Violence: After Inciting The Mob With Provocative Speeches, Sonam Wangchuk Escaped To His Village In An Ambulance Amidst Violence appeared first on The Commune.

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

In the short 14 second clipping, Wangchuk is seen saying “Masses will bring change in Ladakh like Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka.”

“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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The post Anarchist Sonam Wangchuk Made Provocative Speeches Instigating People To Hit The Streets Like Bangladesh, Nepal appeared first on The Commune.

The Ministry of Home Affairs under the government of India on 24 September 2025 issued a statement regarding the violence that broke out in Leh, Ladakh, holding activist Sonam Wangchuk responsible for inciting the mob.

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.

The government clarified that the demands raised by Wangchuk were already part of the discussions in the HPC. It 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.”

On 24 September 2025, around 11:30 AM, a mob allegedly instigated by Wangchuk’s speeches left the hunger strike venue and attacked both a political party office and the office of the Chief Executive Councillor (CEC) in Leh. The statement said the protesters set these offices on fire, torched a police vehicle, and assaulted security personnel, leaving more than 30 police and CRPF personnel injured.

The mob reportedly continued to destroy public property and attack security forces. Police, in what was described as self-defence, resorted to firing, during which casualties were reported. The government said the situation was brought under control by 4 pm.

The statement 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.”

The government reiterated its commitment to fulfilling the aspirations of the people of Ladakh by providing “adequate constitutional safeguards.” It also appealed to citizens not to circulate old or provocative videos on media or social media.

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

(With inputs from PIB)

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The post Govt Issues Statement On Leh Violence, Says “Wangchuk Incited Mob” appeared first on The Commune.