NAPM demands release of Sonam Wangchuk, dialogue on Ladakh’s statehood

By A Representative  

The National Alliance of People’s Movements (NAPM) has expressed concern over the situation in Ladakh following recent violence that claimed four lives and the arrest of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act (NSA). In a statement issued on September 27, the alliance said the Centre’s failure to address Ladakh’s long-standing demands has created unrest in the region and urged the government to begin a substantive dialogue with local groups on statehood and Sixth Schedule status.

The alliance said that Ladakh’s people, including both Leh and Kargil, have long safeguarded their unique culture and fragile environment while also contributing to the defense of India’s borders. It argued that rapid and unregulated development, ecological stress, and corporate interest in Ladakh’s resources are placing its people and environment at risk. Constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule, along with recognition as a full-fledged state, were described as both a just demand and an urgent necessity, since the majority of Ladakh’s population belongs to Scheduled Tribes.

NAPM maintained that granting these protections would allow local communities greater control over land, resources, and governance, ensuring that development remains sustainable and in line with local aspirations. It also said protecting Ladakh is essential not only for its people but for preserving one of the world’s most sensitive ecosystems at a time when the United Nations has declared 2025 as the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation.

The statement highlighted that demands for statehood, a Ladakhi-controlled public service commission, more employment opportunities, and parliamentary representation for both Leh and Kargil have been pursued peacefully by the Leh Apex Body, the Kargil Democratic Alliance, and Wangchuk himself. According to NAPM, Wangchuk’s hunger strike was called off after 15 days with a clear rejection of violence, yet he was arrested and accused of responsibility for unrest in Leh. The alliance said this has fuelled anger and alienation, and that the government must be held accountable for the loss of lives due to police firing.

Calling the use of NSA against Wangchuk “unjust,” NAPM demanded his immediate release and withdrawal of charges, along with an independent judicial inquiry into the killings. It also sought compensation and medical support for the victims’ families, permanent government jobs for one member from each affected household, and an end to repression of institutions linked to Wangchuk.

The alliance concluded that the government must urgently engage in dialogue with Ladakhi groups to meet their legitimate demands for statehood and constitutional protection, describing it as essential for democracy, justice, ecological stewardship, and securing India’s borders.