'Oppression Inflicted by India in Ladakh, Even China Isn't Doing in Tibet': Sonam Wangchuk
New Delhi: Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been raising the demand for Ladakh’s statehood, on Thursday (September 24) alleged that what India is doing in Ladakh, is an oppression that even “China is not doing in Tibet”.
“When Ladakh chose India, we did not choose it because of... fear. We chose it because India is a democracy. We had China right in front of us, which took Tibet, and India was also there. Ladakh chose India because we believed that in India we would be able to live with our heads held high,” Wangchuk said, addressing a commemoration ceremony in Leh.
“But today, the oppression India is inflicting in Ladakh, even China is not doing in Tibet," he decried.
Wangchuk’s comments came as most of Ladakh, including Leh and Kargil, observed a shutdown to pay tributes to the civilians killed during the protests in Leh on September 24, 2025, and reiterate their demand for statehood and constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule.
Also read: Ladakh and the Autonomy Conundrum
Alongside leaders of the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), Wangchuk demanded the resignation of Union home minister Amit Shah, accusing him of the grave situation in Ladakh and other parts of the country.
“When Rahul Gandhi said Shah must resign over pellets fired at Jantar Mantar, I supported that... What should happen over the use of live bullets with automatic rifles in Ladakh. I reiterate, Shah must resign. He has to take responsibility for the situation in Ladakh and the massacre that took place here. He misuses official machinery here and in other parts of the country.”
"The central government has broken promises and this is why we are protesting. Amit Shah in one of the meetings has told the leaders of Ladakh that even if the Prime Minister gives Sixth Schedule to Ladakh in writing, I won't give it to you,” Wangchuk claimed. “Now who is responsible for this situation," he asked.
The educationist who was booked under National Security Act following the 2025 protests in the union territory, and released a few months later, stressed said that ensuring justice for the people of Ladakh who have always fought on the frontlines for the country, is the responsibility of the whole nation.
He warned that people won't remain silent if their demands are not addressed and justice is not delivered to people here.
"Politics of fear, intimidation and harassment won't work here. We will strive for justice. My last wish is to get killed in an encounter so that the country is awakened," Wangchuk said.
Shutdown
On Thursday, Leh and Kargil districts observed a shutdown, held special prayers, and staged rallies to mark the first death anniversary of four civilians demanding their rights killed in firing by security forces on September 24 last year.
Wangchuk led a symbolic 20-kilometre padyatra ending at the Shaheed Memorial Park in Leh, where religious and community leaders gathered to offer prayers.
Shops and business establishments were closed in both Leh and Kargil districts. Traffic was also skeletal on the roads with LAB and KDA declaring September 24 as ‘Martyrs Day’.
The Stupa of Compassion was also inaugurated in memory of Stanzin Namgyal of Igoo in Ladakh. Locals remarked it as “a symbol of compassion, peace and remembrance”.
This article went live on September twenty-fifth, two thousand twenty six, at nine minutes past two in the afternoon.The Wire is now on WhatsApp. Follow our channel for sharp analysis and opinions on the latest developments.
