Sonam Wangchuk Warns of Fresh Ladakh Agitation From September 19 to 24

Educationalist and social activist Sonam Wangchuk has warned of a fresh agitation in Ladakh from September 19 to 24 if the government fails to provide assurances within a week on the region’s key demands.

Wangchuk’s warning came hours after he expressed disappointment over talks between Ladakh’s key groups and a sub-committee of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in New Delhi on Thursday.

The Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) have been seeking statehood for Ladakh and constitutional safeguards, along with greater protection for the region’s land, culture and environment.

Wangchuk Disappointed With MHA Talks

Wangchuk said little progress was made during the latest discussions with the MHA panel. Taking a dig at the meeting, he shared an old clip from comedian Jaspal Bhatti’s show on X, suggesting that there was little new to the talks.

In another post, Wangchuk said leaders of the LAB and KDA were “rather disappointed” with the sub-committee-level meeting held in New Delhi on September 9.

The MHA had convened the meeting to discuss Ladakh’s long-standing demands for statehood and constitutional safeguards.

Wangchuk said the Ladakh groups expected the government to present a detailed draft on a proposed Ladakh Assembly, including its powers and rights.

Padyatra From Kargil to Leh Postponed

The LAB has designated September as “Martyrs’ Month” to remember those killed, injured or jailed during last year’s unrest in Ladakh.

The group had planned a padyatra from Kargil to Leh on September 10 but postponed it in view of the MHA talks.

“We have collectively decided to postpone the padyatra for the time being,” Wangchuk was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.

He said the march could be revived if the September 9 talks failed to produce a satisfactory outcome. According to Wangchuk, the proposed mobilisation could take place around five days before September 24.

“We will once again appeal to people from across India to come forward in support of Ladakh, in support of the environment, and in support of the people of Ladakh who remain steadfast on the country’s borders,” he said.

Why September 24 Is Significant

Wangchuk said the circumstances surrounding September 24 were “not normal” and suggested that the LAB could reveal details about the violence and arson incidents of last year if necessary.

He warned that continued “stepmotherly treatment” of Ladakh and its border communities could force the groups to launch a large-scale agitation.

The activist had earlier faced arrest under the stringent National Security Act (NSA) following violent protests in Ladakh last year. He was detained on September 26, two days after demonstrations demanding greater autonomy turned violent, leaving four people dead and dozens injured.

The government had accused Wangchuk of provoking the clashes. He was subsequently released in March 2026 after spending about six months in Jodhpur jail.

Wangchuk Later Backed NEET Protesters

After his release, Wangchuk also supported students protesting alleged irregularities in the NEET examination. He went on a 26-day indefinite hunger strike beginning June 28 in support of the protesters.

His latest warning signals a possible escalation of the Ladakh movement if the government and regional groups fail to reach progress on statehood, constitutional safeguards and other demands.