Sonam Wangchuk Says Ladakh Faces Oppression, Compares Situation With Tibet

Sonam Wangchuk speaking at an event in 2017. Photo: Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0.

 Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has criticised the situation in Ladakh, saying that the treatment of people in the region has become so severe that, in his view, even China is not doing the same to Tibet.

Wangchuk made the remarks in Leh on September 24 during a commemoration marking one year since four civilians were killed during protests in Ladakh in September 2025.

Wangchuk Calls for Accountability

Addressing the gathering, Wangchuk demanded accountability for the deaths and called for the resignation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

He argued that Ladakh chose to remain with India because people believed in democracy and expected to live with dignity. He said the current situation had disappointed those expectations. 

Wangchuk also called for the findings of the inquiry into last year’s violence to be made public. Reports say a judicial commission was established to examine the events, but its report had not been released by the time of the anniversary events.

Four Protesters Were Killed in 2025

The latest controversy is linked to the violence in Leh on September 24, 2025, when security forces opened fire during protests. Four civilians were killed and dozens were injured, according to reports.

The protests were connected to demands concerning statehood for Ladakh, constitutional safeguards and protection of the region’s environment and interests. The Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance have continued to raise these demands.

Ladakh Police Reject Some Allegations

The Ladakh Police rejected allegations that people were prevented from attending the September 24 commemoration.

According to a police statement reported by India Today, the authorities said the event had been permitted and that security arrangements were made for traffic and crowd management. Police said fewer than 800 people attended the gathering and denied stopping people from reaching the venue. 

This provides an important distinction between Wangchuk’s allegations and the administration’s response.

Government Had Earlier Revoked Wangchuk’s Detention

Wangchuk had been detained under the National Security Act in September 2025 following the unrest in Leh.

The Ministry of Home Affairs announced on March 14, 2026 that his detention had been revoked with immediate effect. The ministry said the government remained committed to dialogue and to addressing the concerns and aspirations of people in Ladakh.

Ladakh’s Political Demands Continue

The latest events show that demands over Ladakh’s political status and constitutional protections remain active.

Wangchuk and other Ladakh representatives have continued to seek greater safeguards for the region, while the central government has said that the issues should be addressed through dialogue and existing institutional mechanisms.

The debate remains focused on accountability for the 2025 violence, constitutional protections, environmental concerns and the political future of Ladakh.