A major protest erupted in Leh, Ladakh on Wednesday as students rallied in support of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk’s demand for full statehood for the Union Territory. The demonstration, initially peaceful, escalated into violent clashes between protesters and law enforcement officials. Security forces, including the CRPF and local police, were forced to tighten deployments in the area as the situation worsened.
During the protest, a CRPF vehicle was set on fire, signaling a rise in tension between the youth-led demonstrators and security personnel. Videos circulating online showed students, many of them young and energetic, shouting slogans demanding full statehood for Ladakh and criticizing the central government for not taking concrete steps toward their demand. The agitation reflects growing frustration among Ladakh’s youth, who view statehood as essential for political recognition, better governance, and development of the region.
The protest also saw property damage, including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) office being set ablaze. The chaotic scenes forced authorities to deploy additional personnel to contain the violence and prevent further escalation. Despite the unrest, students maintained their core demand: recognition of Ladakh as a full-fledged state within India, with greater autonomy and administrative powers.
The agitation in Leh was inspired by Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on a prolonged fast demanding the inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution and advocating for full statehood. Wangchuk’s appeal has struck a chord particularly with young people in the region, who accuse the central government of ignoring Ladakh’s developmental and administrative needs.
Sonam Wangchuk is a well-known engineer, innovator, and social activist, widely respected in Ladakh for his work in education and environmental initiatives. He founded the Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL), which aims to improve rural education standards and empower local communities. Wangchuk’s work has been internationally recognized; he received the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2018 for his contributions to education and social development.
Interestingly, Wangchuk also inspired the Bollywood film 3 Idiots, where Aamir Khan’s character, Ranchoddas “Rancho” Shamaldas Chanchad (Funsukh Wangdu), was partially based on him. His recognition as a thought leader and activist has made him a symbol of youth-led advocacy in Ladakh, motivating students to amplify their voices for the region’s statehood.
The backdrop of this protest is significant. On August 5, 2019, the Jammu and Kashmir region underwent a major political change following the abrogation of Article 370. The state was bifurcated into two Union Territories: Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, with Leh and Kargil forming the latter. Since then, demands for full statehood for Ladakh have gained momentum, fueled by perceptions of administrative neglect and lack of representation.
ALSO READ: Routine blood tests can sometimes indicate risk of blood cancer, doctor explains
ALSO READ: Bihar elections 2025: Voters weigh change against continuity
Students participating in the Leh protest raised slogans emphasizing self-governance, better infrastructure, and development opportunities for the Union Territory. The unrest highlights a rising sense of regional identity among Ladakh’s youth, who are keen to see their homeland gain political recognition equivalent to other Indian states.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, aiming to prevent further violence while addressing the students’ concerns. Meanwhile, Wangchuk has reiterated the peaceful nature of his fast, urging dialogue and negotiation rather than confrontation. However, the intensity of the protests indicates growing impatience and a strong demand for immediate action regarding Ladakh’s political status.
In conclusion, the recent protests in Leh underscore the urgency of Ladakh’s statehood debate and the influence of youth-led movements in shaping regional politics. Sonam Wangchuk’s activism has not only inspired students but has also highlighted issues of governance, development, and representation in the Union Territory. With tensions high, the central and local authorities face mounting pressure to address these demands while ensuring law and order.
Copyright © © 2022 Copyright. All Rights Reserved with Arth Parkash