“Only an Encounter is Left”: Sonam Wangchuk Alleges State Atrocities in Ladakh
SRINAGAR: Renowned climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has sparked a fresh political firestorm after claiming he fears for his life, alleging that he could be the target of an “encounter” by state authorities. Speaking during a solemn gathering to mark the first anniversary of a deadly police firing incident in Leh, Wangchuk leveled serious accusations against the government, suggesting that the current treatment of Ladakhis mirrors—and perhaps exceeds—the repression seen in regions like Tibet.
A Somber Anniversary
Thursday marked one year since four protesters lost their lives in Leh on September 24, 2025. The incident, which involved the use of automatic weapons against demonstrators, remains a deep-seated grievance for the local population. Wangchuk, who has been at the forefront of the movement demanding constitutional safeguards for Ladakh, addressed a gathering of supporters, highlighting the trauma that persists a year later.
“Bullets were fired indiscriminately at the unarmed youth of Ladakh who were peacefully demanding their rights,” Wangchuk asserted. He criticized the central government’s response, pointing out that a judicial commission established by the Union Home Ministry to investigate the killings has yet to release its findings. In the absence of official accountability, he demanded the formation of a people’s tribunal to conduct an independent probe.
From Democratic Hope to Political Peril
In a scathing critique of current policies, Wangchuk suggested that the people of Ladakh chose to align with India specifically because of its democratic foundations. However, he argued that the current administration is failing to uphold those values. He specifically pointed to the unfulfilled promises made by government representatives prior to the 2020 LAHDC-Leh elections, where local leaders were allegedly flown to New Delhi and assured of statehood and the Sixth Schedule status.
The activist’s history with the administration has been fraught with confrontation. Following unrest last year, he spent 170 days in Jodhpur jail after being charged under the National Security Act. While he was released in March, Wangchuk maintains that his ongoing criticism has made him a marked man.
“They have sent me to jail and subjected me to endless inquiries,” he stated. “Now, only an encounter is left. I am ready for that. If it is my fate, let it be. My hope is that it wakes the country up to the reality of what is happening here.”
Tensions and Denials in Leh
The commemorative event, designated as “Martyr’s Day,” saw a complete shutdown in Leh. While Wangchuk accused the police of setting up barricades and intimidating citizens to prevent them from attending the rally, local law enforcement has refuted these claims.
Police officials stated that they had granted permission for a prayer meeting at the NDS stadium, noting that they facilitated the event within the requested time frame. They characterized the claims of obstruction as baseless, reporting a turnout of approximately 800 people.
As the standoff between local advocacy groups and the administration continues, Wangchuk’s stark warning highlights the growing disconnect between the government and the aspirations of the Ladakhi people. The lack of clarity regarding the judicial inquiry, coupled with the activist’s provocative rhetoric, ensures that the region remains a sensitive focal point for national discourse.
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