Sonam Wangchuk, the climate activist and education reformer who has become the face of Ladakh’s statehood movement, has made an emotional appeal for peace after unprecedented violence broke out in Leh.
As clashes between protestors and the police turned deadly, with four reported dead and dozens injured, Wangchuk brought his 15-day hunger strike to an abrupt end, expressing deep sorrow over the Ladakh violence.
Wangchuk’s appeal amid Crisis
Wangchuk, who had steered persistent but peaceful protests over several years, issued a video message and addressed gatherings in person, urging the youth to shun violence immediately.
“My message of a peaceful path failed today. I appeal to youth to please stop this nonsense. This only damages our cause,” Wangchuk said, visibly disheartened by the arson, vandalism, and loss of life that erupted on the day, which he called a “Gen-Z revolution.”
He noted that years of joblessness and lack of representation had fermented this anger, but insisted violence was not the solution.
He described the violence as an outburst triggered by frustration among Ladakhi youth, especially after two fasting protestors had to be hospitalized, which became a catalyst for outrage and mass mobilization on the streets.
Non-violence and dialogue
Wangchuk said that his core message has always been non-violence and constructive engagement. “If we are doing hunger strikes, marches, and peaceful protests for so many years, and then resort to violence, what will be left of our movement?” he explained, adding that such actions nullify the five-year-old peaceful movement for Ladakh’s rights.
He called on the government to urgently listen to Ladakhi demands, warning that the situation is the product of long-standing neglect and silence from Delhi. Yet, he was clear that any more instability would only harm Ladakh’s prospects and erode the legitimacy of their struggle.