Leh violence: NAPM condemns Sonam Wangchuk’s arrest, calls for dialogue on statehood

Hyderabad: National Alliance of People’s Movements (NAPM) has strongly condemned the arrest of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act (NSA).

Calling for his immediate release, they demanded urgent dialogue on Sixth Schedule protection and statehood for Ladakh.

In a statement issued on Saturday, NAPM said it was “deeply pained at the unjust turn of events in Ladakh, which has led to the tragic loss of four lives, as a consequence of the Centre’s long-standing neglect of Ladakh’s legitimate demands.”

Arrest Under NSA and Violence in Leh

Wangchuk, who had been leading a peaceful fast along with other Ladakhi leaders, was arrested following violent clashes in Leh earlier this week that left four people dead. NAPM alleged that the Centre was unfairly holding him responsible.

“By falsely blaming Wangchuk for the recent unfortunate violence that claimed four lives in Leh (whereas he clearly condemned the violence and withdrew his fast on the 15th day, refusing to accept any form of violence) and arresting him on false charges, the union govt is unnecessarily and unjustly adding to the tense situation,” the statement said.

It further accused the government of “fuelling more anger and alienation in the region, by singling out Sonam and persecuting him,” adding that “suppressing and hitting at voices of peaceful people’s movements often leads to uncontrolled violence.”

Call for Sixth Schedule and Statehood

The alliance reiterated its support for the people’s demand for constitutional safeguards.

“Granting Ladakh protection under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution and recognition as a full-fledged state is not only a just demand, but also an urgent necessity. As is required for Sixth schedule protection, the overwhelming majority of Ladakhis belong to scheduled tribes,” the statement read.

It emphasized that such measures would empower locals “to exercise greater control over their land, resources, and governance; ensuring that the nature of ‘development activities’ in these fragile lands is sustainable, ecologically responsible, and rooted in local aspirations.”

According to NAPM, Ladakh’s people have long “safeguarded their unique culture, traditions, and fragile high-altitude environment” while contributing to national security. Without safeguards, it warned, “Ladakh’s delicate balance between people and nature stands at risk of irreversible damage.”

Democratic Demands

The statement pointed out that Ladakhi groups such as the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), along with Wangchuk, have consistently pursued a non-violent path.

“Their demands for Statehood, Sixth schedule protection, more employment opportunities through a Ladakhi-controlled public service commission, etc, and an MP for both Leh & Kargil, are all rooted in Constitutional justification,” NAPM said.

It further stressed: “The state is turning the rightful demand for Sixth Schedule and statehood as ‘anti-national’. The Union Govt should be held accountable for lives lost to police bullets, as a result of brutal State response to a democratic struggle.”

Environmental and Global Context

The organisation linked Ladakh’s movement to broader ecological concerns.

“Protecting Ladakh is not just about securing the future of its people, but about preserving one of the world’s most sensitive ecosystems, in the Himalayan region; a region of global environmental significance and of critical political importance for the Govt of India, looking at the cross-border tensions,” it noted.

The statement also highlighted that “the United Nations observes 2025 as the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation,” urging India to set an example of “democratic inclusion, ecological stewardship, and justice.”

NAPM’s Demands

Concluding the statement, NAPM listed five key demands to the Union government:

1. Release Sonam Wangchuk, withdraw charges under the NSA, and ensure his safe return from Jodhpur to Leh.

2. End repressive measures against the people’s movement in Ladakh and stop targeting institutions associated with Mr. Wangchuk.

3. Resume meaningful and conclusive dialogue with LAB and KDA, granting Sixth Schedule status and statehood.

4. Institute a high-level judicial inquiry into the firing on civilians that killed four people.

5. Provide full medical support and compensation to the injured, exemplary compensation to families of the deceased, and a permanent government job to one member of each bereaved family.