Sonam Wangchuk calls Ladakh protests "saddest day," blames joblessness and unkept promises for youth unrest
Sonam Wangchuk describes the violent turn of Ladakh's rallies as one of the "saddest days" of his life. He says it is a reflection of years of buried discontent among local youngsters about jobs, autonomy, and unfulfilled promises.
Aadrika Tayal 
New Delhi (India) September 25: Sonam Wangchuk is an award-winning environmentalist and campaigner. He claims that the BJP's "U-turns" on promises made in 2020 and years of youth unemployment in the region are the main causes of the unrest in Ladakh.
Wangchuk Blames Broken Promises and Joblessness for Violence
Wangchuk calls it "one of the saddest days" of his life. It is hours after protests escalated into violence and fights with government authorities.
Wangchuk says, “It was the outburst of this young generation that brought them onto the streets. They have been unemployed for the past five years, repeatedly thrown out of jobs on one pretext or another, and Ladakh's demands have not been met. I would say this is a recipe for social unrest. Some people think they were only our supporters, but in reality, the whole of Ladakh stands with us and with this cause. This was a Gen Z revolution," in a video posted on social media platform X.
He also adds, "I appeal to the younger generation to not resort to violence; it will undo our five years of effort. This is not our way. We are trying to present our demands to the government by peaceful means, and I want them to hear our message of peace.”
According to Wangchuk, the unrest is a "natural outburst" of angry youth calling for Ladakh's sovereignty and inclusion in the Sixth Schedule.
He says, “On one hand they have been jobless for the last five years, there have been almost no jobs particularly at the higher levels, and democracy has been curtailed. Their demands have been unmet.”
Wangchuk Denies Political Party Influence in Protests
The activist denied claims that political groups were behind the protests. He maintains that the highest authority had even requested that members of Congress leave. This is in order to prevent any impression of politicization.
He says, “I know Congress, they’re not so competent that one leader of theirs can call 5,000 people. That would be too much credit for their influence.”
Centre Accuses Wangchuk, Highlights Development Steps
The administration has accused Wangchuk directly of causing unrest. According to a Ministry of Home Affairs press release, a mob "motivated by his (Sonam Wangchuk) provocative speeches" led the hunger strike. They set fire to the Leh BJP and Chief Executive Councillor's offices. They also set police cars on fire.
The Center also outlines the steps it has taken. It includes recognizing Bhoti and Purgi as official languages, granting one-third of council seats to women and raising Scheduled Tribe reservations in Ladakh from 45% to 84%. They have also begun the hiring process for 1,800 government positions.
Ladakh’s Ongoing Struggle for Autonomy and Sixth Schedule Rights
After Article 370 was repealed and Jammu and Kashmir was divided, Ladakh was established as a distinct Union Territory in 2019. But the area was placed under direct central control because it lacked a legislature. Since then, Ladakh has seen a number of demonstrations calling for statehood, more local autonomy, and constitutional protections under the Sixth Schedule. This is in order to preserve its tribal identity.
