New Delhi: The Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) on Monday demanded the immediate and unconditional release of activist Sonam Wangchuk and other youth leaders detained after the September 24 violence in Leh, warning that the Centre’s reluctance to grant Ladakh statehood and constitutional safeguards is “alienating” the people of the region.
The KDA, along with the Leh Apex Body spearheading the agitation for statehood and Sixth Schedule protections, held the Union Territory administration directly responsible for the Leh clashes, which left four people dead and dozens injured, including security personnel.
At a press conference, KDA member Sajjad Kargili strongly criticised the administration’s handling of the situation. He said Wangchuk’s detention under the stringent National Security Act (NSA) and his imprisonment in Jodhpur jail was unjustified, reiterating that the demands for statehood and constitutional safeguards are “non-negotiable.”
“At a time when the nation is grappling with several challenges, such treatment of Ladakhis—a sensitive border region—will only deepen alienation and insecurity,” Kargili said. He added that the government should act with “wisdom and sensitivity.”
Condemning the use of force, he said: “The way bullets were fired and many injured calls for accountability. This is exactly why democracy is needed. When the Prime Minister says democracy is in the DNA of Indians, why should Ladakhis be denied it?”
He accused the UT administration of “failure and lack of preparedness,” specifically criticising the decision to open fire on protesters. “The CRPF failed us. Twenty of our soldiers were martyred at the China border, yet no permission was given to open fire there. But orders were issued to shoot at protesters in Ladakh. What kind of government does this?” he asked.
Kargili demanded an impartial judicial probe into the incident, pointing out that the administration itself had admitted to having prior intelligence of possible unrest. “If you had information, why no preventive measures? Why open fire?” he said, comparing the situation to the 2019 abrogation of Article 370 in Kashmir, when strict preventive measures were imposed.
He emphasised that those protesting near Wangchuk’s fast site remained peaceful, and the violence took place outside. “We are demanding an impartial judicial probe,” he reiterated.
Kargili further noted that Wangchuk’s arrest has brought Ladakh’s struggle to national attention. “Earlier, few people knew about Ladakh’s issues. After Wangchuk’s arrest, the entire country is aware, and now protests will not be confined to Ladakh but spread nationwide,” he warned.
He said that even the upcoming dialogue with the Union Government, expected on Tuesday, was only scheduled after Wangchuk’s fast began. “The sense of alienation and betrayal is growing. The people of Ladakh are the strength of this country. They should not be pushed to the wall,” he cautioned.
Reiterating the long-standing demands, he declared: “The Union Territory experiment has failed miserably to address the aspirations of the people. Ladakhis want protection of their tribal identity and real democracy, not diversionary tactics through festivals.”
