Did Arab Spring References of Wangchuk Fuel Ladakh Violence?

Ladakh Unrest: Calm Returns After Deadly Clashes, Govt Blames Wangchuk

Leh, Ladakh: The Himalayan silence of Ladakh was shattered this week as protests spiraled into violent clashes, leaving four people dead and more than 70 injured. Streets that echoed with fury on Wednesday now remain under curfew, with authorities confirming no fresh incidents since evening.

Government Blames Sonam Wangchuk for Violence

The Union Home Ministry has squarely blamed climate activist Sonam Wangchuk for instigating the violence. Officials allege his fiery remarks, including references to Arab Spring-style uprisings and youth-led protests in Nepal, provoked demonstrators into aggression.

According to the ministry, a mob broke away from Wangchuk’s hunger strike venue and stormed BJP and government offices in Leh, setting vehicles on fire. Security forces were forced to intervene with teargas shells and heavy deployment across the town.

The ministry also accused Wangchuk of ending his fast mid-day and leaving for his village in an ambulance, “without making efforts to calm the crowd.”

From Peaceful Hunger Strike to Deadly Protests

What started ten days ago as a peaceful fast for Ladakh’s statehood and inclusion in the Sixth Schedule quickly turned violent. Officials say the government was already in talks with local bodies, but “politically motivated groups” derailed the dialogue.

By Wednesday afternoon, protesters clashed with police and paramilitary forces, leaving dozens injured, including 22 security personnel. Authorities immediately imposed curfew in Leh, banning gatherings of more than five people.

VERY SAD EVENTS IN LEH
My message of peaceful path failed today. I appeal to youth to please stop this nonsense. This only damages our cause.#LadakhAnshan pic.twitter.com/CzTNHoUkoC

— Sonam Wangchuk (@Wangchuk66) September 24, 2025

Wangchuk Condemns Violence, Appeals for Peace

While rejecting the government’s charge, Wangchuk admitted his message of peace failed to contain public anger.

“On the 15th day of our strike, I am pained to say incidents of violence, arson and vandalism took place. This nullifies our peaceful struggle,” he said.

He described the turmoil as a “Gen-Z outburst”, pointing to years of unemployment and frustration in Ladakh. “We held marches, strikes, and even walked from Leh to Delhi, but our voices were ignored. Still, violence is not our path,” he appealed.

Who Is Sonam Wangchuk?

• Born in 1966, Wangchuk is an engineer, innovator and education reformist.

• Founder of SECMOL, an initiative to culturally and environmentally reform Ladakh’s education system.

• Pioneer of the ice stupa water conservation technique.

• Inspiration for Aamir Khan’s character in the Bollywood hit 3 Idiots.

The Road Ahead for Ladakh

As calm tentatively returns under curfew, Ladakh’s future hinges on whether dialogue between the Union government and local leaders resumes. For many in the region, the central demand remains statehood and constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule—a battle that may decide Ladakh’s political course in the coming months.