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Time of India
12-08-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Protest in Kargil for Ladakh statehood, inclusion in 6th Schedule
SRINAGAR: Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and Ladakh MP Mohmad Haneefa Jan among many people took part in a protest rally at the end three-day hunger strike in Kargil Monday, seeking statehood for the UT and its inclusion in Sixth Schedule of the Constitution for a degree of autonomy. Describing the fresh agitation as a historic day for Ladakh's movement, Wangchuk accused Lt Governor Kavinder Gupta of plotting to arrest him. 'My well-wishers told me that I will be charged with sedition. When I didn't fear sitting on a hunger strike at minus 40 degrees at Khardung La Pass, why should I fear jail. It will only strengthen the Ladakhi agitation,' he said. Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) organised the march in protest against the alleged delay in resuming the dialogue process by the Centre to discuss the demands of the Ladakh people. KDA functionaries warned of serious consequences if any of their members and Wangchuk were arrested. It was the first such protest march since Gupta entered LG office on July 18. On Jan 2, 2023, Union home ministry set up a high-powered committee to address key issues in Ladakh. The last round of talks, held on May 27, led to the introduction of a domicile policy for Ladakh with a 15-year eligibility period starting from 2019. Since the abrogation of Article 370 on Aug 5, 2019, and the bifurcation of the erstwhile state of J&K into two UTs, Ladakh has seen many political agitations seeking statehood for Ladakh and inclusion in Sixth Schedule.
News18
11-08-2025
- Politics
- News18
Activist Sonam Wangchuk Threatens Self-Immolation Over Ladakh Statehood Demand
Activist Sonam Wangchuk said the Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance should write to the Centre asking if the sixth schedule or statehood will be discussed In a video statement through which he is purportedly encouraging self-immolation, activist Sonam Wangchuk has said he is ready to set himself on fire over statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. In his message, released two months ago, he claimed that Ladakhis are upset over the 15-year domicile policy. Calling for a protest to send a message to the Centre before the next round of talks, Wangchuk said the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) should write to the central government asking if the sixth schedule or statehood will be discussed. If there is no response, it is implied that the Centre is delaying the matter until the code of conduct for council elections comes into force, he said in his message that was uploaded to YouTube two months ago as per the time stamp. He alleged that without the sixth schedule, Ladakhi tribals will be a minority like in Tripura. He said he was offered a BJP ticket and a ministerial position in 2019 but he refused. Watch the video here (translation to be available shortly): Wangchuk further alleged that he is being harassed as two infrastructure projects — a Rs 10-crore one by GAIL and another Rs 4-crore one by Coal India — were cancelled due to government pressure as they to be undertaken by his institution, Himalayan Institute of Alternatives, Ladakh (HIAL). He purportedly suggested an agitation on the lines of the 'Arab Spring" if the government is unwilling to grant the sixth schedule. In the video, he also asked for suggestions on a venue for self-immolation or death through hunger strike — proposing the home minister's residence, Parliament, the UN Office in New York as options. According to top government sources, however, Wangchuk's video message and appeal show that he is frustrated as he has failed to provoke ABL leaders and others against the domicile policy. His messages have become increasingly provocative over time, the sources said. The sources said he has repeatedly been trying to convince some supporters to commit self-immolation, similar to protests in Tibet. Sonam is exploiting the leadership vacuum and positioning himself as the face of the Ladakh agitation after Thustan Tsewang's resignation. He is exploiting Ladakh's geopolitical location and proximity to hostile borders, and his provocative speeches may be exploited by enemy countries. WHAT ARE THE PROTESTS OVER LADAKH STATEHOOD ISSUE? A three-day hunger strike jointly organised by the KDA and LAB seeking statehood and sixth schedule demands ended with a massive rally on Monday, with participants warning to intensify their agitation if the Centre continues its 'delaying tactics" to hold fresh round of talks with them. Leaders of both the groupings, including LAB co-chairman Chering Dorjay and Wangchuk, KDA co-chairmen Asgar Ali Karbalai and Qamar Ali Akhoon, and Ladakh MP Mohammad Haneefa Jan led from the front. Thousands, including religious leaders and hill council members, marched through the town chanting slogans in favour of statehood, Sixth Schedule, Public Service Commission and separate Lok Sabha seats for Leh and Kargil — the four major demands for which the KDA and the LAB are jointly spearheading the agitation over the past four years and have held several rounds of talks with the High Powered Committee (HPC) of ministry of home affairs. The participants also raised slogans like 'Hindustan Zindabad' and 'Hum bheek nahi apna haq maangte' (We do not beg for alms, we demand our rights), following which the leaders of the two bodies addressed the gathering and accused the government of forcing them to come on the roads by delaying the talks. 'This is a historic rally and a powerful message that the people of Ladakh are united in support of the four demands. We have started the fresh protest from Kargil but it will not be restricted to this district alone but will be taken to every nook and corner of Ladakh if the government does not show its willingness to continue the dialogue and address our concerns," Dorjay said. 'We are in agitation for a long time now and if the government of India calls off the talks, we have no option but to intensify the struggle," he said. Karbalai said the core group of both groups will meet later in the day to chalk out the future course of action. 'We have already decided to intensify our agitation as the government had promised to hold the next round of talks within one month after our last meeting in May. They are not showing seriousness," he said. tags : ladakh Sonam Wangchuk view comments Location : Ladakh, India, India First Published: August 11, 2025, 23:43 IST News politics Activist Sonam Wangchuk Threatens Self-Immolation Over Ladakh Statehood Demand Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
The Print
11-08-2025
- Politics
- The Print
Activist Sonam Wangchuk joins hunger strike for Ladakh's statehood, Sixth Schedule status
'I was determined to join the protest to highlight the demands of the people of Ladakh. There were rumours about possible arrests, but I never took them seriously. I have never done anything wrong and have always served the people and the nation,' Wangchuk told reporters. Dorjay and Wangchuk arrived in Kargil on Sunday amidst widespread speculation that they would not be allowed to participate in the protest organised by the Kargil Development Authority (KDA) and might face arrest. Kargil, Aug 10 (PTI) Several leaders of the Leh Apex Body (LAB), including co-chairman Chering Dorjay and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, joined the second day of the ongoing three-day hunger strike here in support of the demand of statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. He emphasised that their participation was meant to convey unity between the people of Kargil and Leh in their demand for statehood and necessary safeguards, opposing anyone attempting to divide the people of Ladakh. 'Criticism, rather than false praise, helps leaders improve. We believe in sincere criticism, and it should be understood in that spirit. If they are unkind and wish to arrest us and imprison us, we have no objections. I have lived my life for my country, and I am ready to die for it,' Wangchuk stated. Earlier, addressing the gathering, the Magasaysay Award-winner said he wanted the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, to know that the people of the region are not cowards but are peace-loving and believe in dialogue. 'We have always lived for our country, even sacrificing lives in past wars. My sincere request is not to misuse this relationship for the benefit of a few in the corporate sector,' Wangchuk noted, alleging widespread corruption at the bureaucratic level and claiming they possess data to expose it. While en route to Kargil earlier in the day, Wangchuk posted a video on X, voicing his concerns over a solar power plant being set up in Ladakh. 'Two weeks ago, I questioned on my podcast how large sections of our land — approximately 40,000 acres — are being allocated to corporations for a massive solar plant endeavour. This installation will produce 13,000 megawatts, which is three times larger than the largest in the world,' he said. In an apparent reference to industrialist Gautam Adani, Wangchuk indicated that the project is likely to go to the billionaire, which could impact the local community. 'While I cannot say for sure, experts in the field say this project is almost certainly going to Mr A, and the worst part is that this may lead to the significant displacement of thousands of shepherds who produce some of the world's most precious fibres, such as Pashmina,' the activist noted. Wangchuk claimed that neither public representatives nor the local populace are aware of the land transfer details. 'The newly-appointed Lieutenant Governor appears to be a loyal supporter of the system and Mr A. Perhaps they will act on this rumour or conspiracy to arrest me. I want to make it clear that I would consider it an absolute honour and privilege to go to jail. I have followed in the footsteps of Mahatma Gandhi,' he said in the video. At the venue of the hunger strike, the co-chairman of KDA, Asgar Ali Karbalai, along with other members, including Member of Parliament Mohammad Haneefa, warned of consequences if local authorities attempt to stop their guests from participating. The protest began on Saturday and will conclude on Monday evening. Haneefa, who joined the protest on Saturday, said the people of Ladakh are peacefully agitating for their demands, and have been forced to go on a hunger strike due to the delaying tactics adopted by the Centre in scheduling fresh talks. PTI TAS TAS MPL MPL MPL MPL This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
Time of India
09-08-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Bridge gap between environment and business, innovator Sonam Wangchuk urges Bengal youth
Kolkata: Embrace entrepreneurship as a tool to solve real-world problems rather than focusing solely on profit-making: This plea for commitment to sustainable impact came from innovator, educator and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk . The Ladakh-based change-maker was recently in the city to attend 'Made in JIS 2025', organised by the JIS Group. "India needs problem-solvers more than business entrepreneurs who do business just for the sake of making money," Wangchuk told the gathering of students and aspiring innovators. "Curiosity of the mind, empathy of the heart and the spirit of initiative are key to becoming an entrepreneur with conscience — one who can bridge the gap between environment and business. " Founder of the Students' Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL) and architect of Operation New Hope, Wangchuk shared examples of student-led innovations in Ladakh, including Passive Solar Heating Shelters for the Indian Army at 15,000-ft altitude and artificial glaciers or 'ice stupas' to tackle pre-monsoon water scarcity. He pointed out that ventures, such as an all-woman travel company and yak-cheese production, had emerged from "simple textbook science", treated with creativity. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Michigan Launches New Policy for Cars Used Less Than 50 Miles/day Bindright Undo by Taboola by Taboola You Can Also Check: Kolkata AQI | Weather in Kolkata | Bank Holidays in Kolkata | Public Holidays in Kolkata Wangchuk urged for context-specific approaches in the education system. "Just like different diseases are treated with different medicines, different circumstances need different ways of education," he said, praising the National Education Policy for its philosophy but pointing out that its effective implementation remained a challenge. Describing Wangchuk's presence as "deeply humbling and transformative", JIS Group director Jaspreet Kaur said the initiative aimed at building a generation of socially-conscious innovators. The event also featured sessions with Faad Capital CEO Aditya Arora and Snap-E Cabs founder & CEO Mayank Bindal. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Raksha Bandhan wishes , messages and quotes !
NDTV
08-08-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
Can March To Delhi 10 Times: Sonam Wangchuk On Ladakh's Statehood Demand
New Delhi: Reiterating the demand for statehood and the Sixth Schedule for Ladakh as a three-day hunger strike is set to start in Kargil from Saturday, climate activist Sonam Wangchuk said on Friday that they are prepared to take their movement ahead, and can even march to Delhi again if required. In an interview with PTI ahead of the hunger strike under the banner of Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) on Saturday, Wangchuk said while statehood for Jammu and Kashmir is being talked about, Ladakh has been ignored. The Magsaysay Award-winner rued that the talks of Ladakh groups, which include members of the KDA and Leh Apex Body (LAB), with the home ministry is again stuck, as no date for the next meeting has been announced. "I am saying this with sadness. There have been lot of delays in the dialogue. In the last eight months, the conversation has been held only twice," Wangchuk told PTI. He said discussions on the main issues -- Sixth Schedule and statehood -- have not even started yet. Wangchuk said the delays have led to dissatisfaction brewing among people in Ladakh, and as the Dalai Lama is in Leh right now, it was decided that the protest will be held in Kargil. "The leaders said that there is the revered Dalai Lama in Ladakh right now. So, we should not do such a protest while he is present. There should not be instability. So, the leaders of Kargil are raising this issue," he said. Wangchuk said they're still hopeful that the government will understand their pain and address their demands, but added that they are ready to march to Delhi many more times if required. "We do not have any intention to come to Delhi again... But if this continues, if there is no democracy, we will have to take such steps," he said. "There can be a long hunger strike of five-six weeks... Even if we have to come from Leh to Delhi ten times, we will do that. The world should see how difficult it is to follow Gandhi's path," he said. "So it is possible that this time we come in September and reach Delhi on 2nd October again..." he said. Wangchuk stressed that the Sixth Schedule was an electoral promise of the BJP during the last elections of the Hill Council, and it should be fulfilled. He also said while the issue of giving statehood to Jammu and Kashmir is being talked about, Ladakh has been left out. "Statehood is the basis of democracy... When J-K and Ladakh were separated, both were democratic states, so both should get statehood," he said. "Everyone is talking about J-K. It is a good thing. I am hopeful that the government will also give them statehood. But we should also talk about Ladakh. "People of Ladakh have difficult lives living in a border area, yet they stand shoulder to shoulder with the Indian Army... There is no war in which the people of Ladakh have not played an important role," he said. "I think this is very short-sighted. Some leaders are doing this for the benefit of some companies with a narrow perspective. But it will cause a lot of damage to the country, which can unfortunately affect our security," he said. On the Sixth Schedule, he pointed out that more than 95 per cent of its population consists of tribals. While stating that infrastructure has improved in Ladakh since it was made into a Union Territory, he said locals, however, say that development is also there on the other side of India-China border, but without freedom, development is meaningless. "People say that there has been a lot of progress and development. By progress, I mean that roads have been built," he said. "On the other hand, people also say that how can people be happy only with money and development? Is there less development in China? There is a lot of development there too. But are the people of Tibet happy? No..." he said. "If people of Ladakh are kept out and Ladakh is developed, then it will be a cage made of gold," he said. Ladakh, which was separated from Jammu and Kashmir and carved out into a Union Territory in 2019 after abrogation of Article 370, has witnessed a series of protests over the last few years with demand for safeguards under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, and statehood being among the key demands.
