Kathmandu, 01 Oct: While the immediate, high-intensity tension in India’s Ladakh region appears to have cooled, the area is not yet fully peaceful. Local authorities lifted a curfew in Leh for four hours on Tuesday, claiming the situation is normalizing. However, Ladakh has not returned to its old rhythm, as a mobile and internet ban remains in effect.
The core of the unrest is the arrest of prominent climate and education engineer, Sonam Wangchuk, under the stringent National Security Act (NSA). The administration claims to have “solid and strong evidence” against him but has not provided details. His arrest is supported by the ruling BJP but condemned by opposition parties and rights activists, who demand his release.
Roots of the Discontent: From Celebration to Protest
The current agitation traces back to August 2019, when the Indian government revoked Article 370, stripping Jammu and Kashmir of its special status and splitting off Ladakh as a separate Union Territory (UT). Initially, many, including Wangchuk, welcomed the UT status. However, discontent soon grew among locals who felt marginalized without a legislative assembly or federal representation, leaving them under direct central rule.
This dissatisfaction, championed by local bodies like the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), crystallized into a demand for full statehood or protection under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. This provision grants tribal areas autonomy to protect their land, culture, and identity through autonomous councils—a safeguard locals argue is crucial for Ladakh’s unique character.
Government Response and Escalating Protests
The BJP-led central government has not clearly addressed these demands. Despite forming a high-powered committee for dialogue, locals claim it has yielded no concrete results. In March 2024, Home Minister Amit Shah reportedly rejected the key demands of Ladakhi representatives.
Frustrated by the government’s inaction, Sonam Wangchuk became the face of the movement, undertaking multiple hunger strikes. His latest fast, which began on September 10, galvanized thousands of local youth. The initially peaceful protests turned violent on September 24, leading to clashes with security forces that resulted in four civilian deaths and over 150 injuries. Wangchuk was subsequently arrested, and the internet shutdown and curfew were imposed.
Political Divisions and the Road Ahead
The movement has exposed deep political divisions. The BJP has accused the opposition Congress of being behind violent acts, including an arson attack on a local BJP office, and has insinuated, without evidence, that the protests are foreign-funded. In contrast, opposition leaders like Rahul Gandhi of the Congress and Omar Abdullah of Jammu & Kashmir have condemned the government’s “repression” and Wangchuk’s arrest.
While the immediate situation in Ladakh appears calmer, the underlying discontent remains a potent risk. Wangchuk’s arrest has inadvertently internationalized the issue. The central government’s unclear strategy and the continued suppression of communication suggest a lasting solution is yet to be found, leaving Ladakh in a state of uncertain peace.
