Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Sep 27: A day after renowned Ladakhi climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was shifted under tight security to Jodhpur Central Jail, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge launched a scathing attack on the Union government, condemning the arrest and demanding a judicial inquiry into the deaths and injuries that followed recent violence in Leh.
Taking to social media, Kharge expressed deep concern over what he termed the BJP-led Centre’s “pathetic handling” of the Ladakh situation and the use of the National Security Act (NSA) against Wangchuk. “At the heart of the crisis lies the BJP’s persistent betrayal of the aspirations of the people of Ladakh,” he said.
The Congress President accused the Modi government of abandoning its promise to grant Ladakh protection under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, which provides for safeguards for tribal regions. “Instead of listening to peaceful voices, the response has been state repression,” Kharge noted.
The region remains on edge following violent clashes on September 24, which erupted after nearly two weeks of peaceful protests and a hunger strike demanding full statehood and constitutional protections. The violence claimed four lives and left dozens injured. Schools and colleges in the area remain shut as a precautionary measure.
The deceased have been identified as Tsewang Tharchin (46), Stanzin Namgyal (24), Jigmet Dorjay (25), and Rinchen Dadul (21) — all young men who were reportedly part of the larger agitation led by Wangchuk and other civil society groups.
The Union government has blamed Wangchuk for allegedly instigating unrest, though officials have yet to release clear details of the charges under which he was detained. Meanwhile, at least 60 people have been arrested in connection with the protests.
Wangchuk, known internationally for his work on climate innovation and education, had earlier warned that ignoring Ladakh’s demands could lead to escalation. “If the government continues to ignore our demands, unfortunately, this may happen again,” he said shortly before violence broke out.
The Congress is now calling for a judicial probe into the entire episode, including the use of force against protesters, the arrest of Wangchuk under the NSA, and the overall deterioration of trust between Ladakhis and the central administration.
With Ladakh still under heightened security and its political future uncertain, the region has become a new flashpoint in the growing friction between civil society demands and central governance.