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The Ministry of Home Affairs blamed Sonam Wangchuk for inciting Ladakh protests that left four dead and 45 injured.
Sonam Wangchuk launched a hunger strike on September 10.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) blamed climate activist Sonam Wangchuk for triggering the violent protests in Ladakh that left four people dead and at least 45 injured, including 22 police personnel. The ministry said that Sonam Wangchuk’s “provocative” references to Arab Spring-style uprisings and Nepal’s Gen Z protests incited a mob that went on a rampage, leading to arson, large-scale clashes and police firing.
Read more: What Triggered The Ladakh Protests? 4 Killed In Violent Clashes, Sonam Wangchuk Calls Off Fast
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In its statement, the MHA said that the Centre has been holding regular structured and informal talks with the Apex Body Leh (ABL) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) to address concerns of Ladakh. It pointed out that several key steps had already been taken- including raising Scheduled Tribe reservations from 45% to 84%, reserving one-third of council seats for women and recognising Bhoti and Purgi as official languages.
The MHA said Sonam Wangchuk launched a hunger strike on September 10, pressing for statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion under the Sixth Schedule while his demands were already under discussion in the High Powered Committee (HPC).
“In spite of many leaders urging him to call off the hunger strike, he continued… misleading the people through provocative mention of Arab Spring-style protests,” the statement read.
MHA Details How Violence Broke Out In Ladakh
According to the MHA, at around 11:30 am on September 24, a mob left the hunger strike venue led by Sonam Wangchuk’s campaign and attacked the BJP office in Leh as well as the office of the Chief Executive Councillor (CEC). Both buildings were set ablaze, a police vehicle was torched and government offices vandalised. More than 30 police and CRPF personnel were injured in the ensuing clashes. By 4 pm, the situation was reported to be under control.
Read more: Who Has Gained From Ladakh Chaos? Here’s What Govt Sources Say | Exclusive
Sonam Wangchuk’s Response
Shortly after the clashes, Sonam Wangchuk called off his hunger strike, saying, “This is the saddest day for Ladakh and for myself personally because the path we were treading was peaceful. Today we are seeing our message of peace failing because of the incidents of violence and arson.”
He appealed to the youth to stop violence, urged police to stop using teargas shells, and called on the Centre to “be more sensitive.”
“We are ending our fast immediately… the aim of the hunger strike is not fulfilled if our youth lose their lives,” he added.
What Next?
The MHA said it remained committed to meeting the aspirations of Ladakh through adequate constitutional safeguards but indicated that Sonam Wangchuk could face legal action for allegedly instigating the mob. The next formal round of talks between the MHA and Ladakh representatives is set for October 6.
Ladakh, India, India
September 24, 2025, 22:29 IST
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