MHA alleges Wangchuk’s rhetoric sparked chaos in Leh, targeting BJP and government offices, despite ongoing dialogue with authorities. Wangchuk ends 15-day hunger strike, appeals for peace; calls September 24 “the saddest day” in Ladakh’s five-year autonomy movement.
BY PC Bureau
Leh/New Delhi, September 25, 2025 — In a sharp escalation of tensions in Ladakh, the Central government has held renowned climate activist Sonam Wangchuk responsible for violent protests that erupted in Leh on Wednesday, leaving at least four dead and over 70 injured. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) alleged that Wangchuk’s “provocative statements” guided a mob that torched government buildings, assaulted police personnel, and forced security forces to fire in self-defense.
The unrest, which began as a peaceful demonstration demanding statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, spiraled into chaos when hundreds of protesters—many young students and monks—clashed with law enforcement. Eyewitnesses described stone pelting at police and CRPF vehicles, the torching of a local BJP office, and widespread vandalism. Over 30 security personnel were injured. Despite teargas and lathi charges, law enforcement was unable to control the mob until live rounds were fired, resulting in the tragic fatalities.
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MHA Statement: Provocative Rhetoric and Political Motivations
According to the MHA, “In spite of repeated requests by leaders to call off the hunger strike, Mr. Wangchuk continued with it and misled the public through provocative references to Arab Spring-style protests and Gen Z revolutions in Nepal. A mob motivated by these statements left the hunger strike venue and attacked the BJP office and government offices of the Chief Electoral Commissioner, Leh. It is clear that the mob was guided by Mr. Wangchuk through these provocative statements.”
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VERY SAD EVENTS IN LEH
My message of peaceful path failed today. I appeal to youth to please stop this nonsense. This only damages our cause.#LadakhAnshan pic.twitter.com/CzTNHoUkoC— Sonam Wangchuk (@Wangchuk66) September 24, 2025
Government sources claimed that the situation did not spiral out of control spontaneously, but was deliberately engineered. “Ladakh and its youth are paying a huge price for the narrow politics played by certain individuals and the personal ambitions of activist Sonam Wangchuk,” the MHA said.
The ministry also highlighted the ongoing dialogue process through the High-Powered Committee (HPC), which has achieved significant milestones including:
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Increasing reservations for Ladakh’s Scheduled Tribes from 45% to 84%
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Instituting one-third women representation in local councils
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Declaring Bhoti and Purgi as official languages
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Commencing recruitment processes for 1,800 government posts
The MHA said that certain politically motivated individuals, unhappy with these developments, have sought to sabotage the dialogue process. “Mr. Wangchuk’s references to Gen Z protests in Nepal appear to have served as a blueprint for this unrest,” government sources added. The ministry alleged that Congress leaders made statements resembling instructions for stone pelting, bandhs, and arson, framing the episode as a politically and personally motivated conspiracy.
Wangchuk’s Hunger Strike and Response
The clashes coincided with Wangchuk’s 15-day hunger strike, launched on September 10 to press for constitutional safeguards for Ladakh, a Union Territory carved out of Jammu and Kashmir in 2019. Wangchuk, a Ramon Magsaysay awardee and engineer-turned-activist, has been a key figure in the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), leading a multi-year campaign for autonomy, job reservations, land rights protection, and a separate public service commission.
After the violence, Wangchuk called an immediate end to his fast, appealing to the youth: “Please stop this nonsense. This only damages our cause. We do not want instability in Ladakh and the country.” He described September 24 as “the saddest day for Ladakh,” lamenting that years of peaceful advocacy had failed to prevent violence and arson.
‘Gen Z Revolution’ or Government Provocation?
Wangchuk acknowledged the participation of school girls, college students, and monks, framing it as a “Gen Z revolution” born from frustration over unheeded demands. He rejected claims that the unrest was politically orchestrated by Congress, stating: “Congress doesn’t have that kind of influence in Ladakh. The young people were angry due to the injury of peers and unaddressed grievances.” Wangchuk urged the Centre to resume talks and exercise sensitivity toward the region’s unique concerns.
Broader Implications for Ladakh
The protests underscore deep-rooted fears over environmental degradation, erosion of local protections post-2019 reorganization, and economic marginalization in a strategically vital border area. Previous demonstrations—including Wangchuk’s 21-day fast in March 2024—had drawn national attention but yielded limited concessions.
The MHA reiterated its commitment to adequate constitutional safeguards but cautioned against circulating provocative content online, warning it could escalate tensions further. Curfew remains in place in Leh district, with additional security forces deployed. Political analysts have warned that the blame game risks alienating Ladakh’s youth and undermining trust ahead of upcoming HPC meetings.
As Ladakh grapples with the aftermath, the pressing question remains: will dialogue restore confidence, or has the “Gen Z frenzy” marked a turning point in the Union Territory’s long-standing pursuit of autonomy? The MHA has indicated potential legal action against those inciting violence, leaving Wangchuk’s future activism under uncertainty.
