Sonam Wangchuk, Leh Apex Body Protest to Demand Ladakh Statehood

Quick Summary

• climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and teh leh Apex Body announced a 35-day fast in Leh starting September 10, 2025, demanding statehood and inclusion of Ladakh under the sixth schedule of the Indian Constitution.
• The fast was preceded by an all-faith prayer service to emphasize their peaceful and constitutional methods.
• Wangchuk stated that no meeting has been held with the Union Home Ministry for two months regarding these demands.
• He reminded the BJP-led government of it’s earlier promise to give sixth-schedule status to Ladakh during previous Hill Council elections in Leh.
• The protest aims for significant attention on Gandhi Jayanti (October 2), marking it as a “landmark” date in their movement.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The demand for statehood and protection under the sixth schedule reflects long-standing concerns over preserving Ladakh’s unique identity, local governance structures, and environmental sustainability amid national-level governance changes post its separation from Jammu & Kashmir in 2019. Sonam Wangchuk’s peaceful approach underscores efforts to keep political dialog constructive while drawing focus on constitutional avenues available for such protections.

The timing of this intensified movement ahead of Hill Council elections may reflect strategic positioning aimed at pressuring policymakers before votes are cast. While repeated promises by ruling parties are cited as unfulfilled, such prolonged delays could strain trust within affected communities.

This evolving scenario is significant sence balanced negotiation between national priorities and regional aspirations is vital not only for peace but also for developing environmentally sensitive regions like Ladakh sustainably.read More