Leh: The Ministry of Home Affairs has held Sonam Wangchuk directly responsible for inciting violence in Leh, saying his provocative statements misled people and triggered the unrest that left several injured and public property damaged.
According to officials, Wangchuk had started a hunger strike on September 10, demanding statehood for Ladakh and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule. The Centre said these issues were already under active discussion with the Apex Body Leh and Kargil Democratic Alliance through the High-Powered Committee (HPC), sub-committee, and multiple informal meetings.
The dialogue process, the ministry noted, had already yielded results—raising reservations for Scheduled Tribes from 45% to 84%, providing one-third reservation for women in the councils, declaring Bhoti and Purgi as official languages, and commencing recruitment for 1,800 posts.
However, officials said certain politically motivated individuals were unhappy with the progress and tried to sabotage the process. The next HPC meeting is scheduled for October 6, while further talks with Ladakhi leaders are planned on September 25 and 26.
Despite repeated appeals from leaders to call off his protest, Wangchuk continued with the hunger strike and, according to MHA, misled people through provocative references to Arab Spring-style protests and Gen Z agitations in Nepal.
On September 24, around 11:30 am, a mob allegedly instigated by these speeches left the hunger strike venue and attacked a political party office as well as the office of the Chief Executive Councillor in Leh. Both offices were set on fire. The mob also attacked security personnel, torched a police vehicle, and injured more than 30 police and CRPF personnel. In self-defence, police resorted to firing, in which casualties were reported. The situation was brought under control by 4 pm.
The ministry said it was clear that the mob was incited by Wangchuk, who, amidst the violence, ended his fast and left for his village in an ambulance without making any effort to calm the situation.
Reiterating its commitment to Ladakh’s aspirations, the government said it will provide adequate constitutional safeguards. It also urged people not to circulate old or provocative videos on media and social media.
