Sonam Wangchuk’s provocative speeches led to violence in Leh: Home Ministry

Srinagar : The Ministry of Home Affairs on Wednesday said that provocative speeches by activist Sonam Wangchuk led to the violence in Ladakh, killing four and injuring over 50 people.

In a statement, issued to the news agency the Home Ministry said that the Government of India has been actively engaging with the Apex Body Leh and the Kargil Democratic Alliance through the High-Powered Committee (HPC), a sub-committee, and multiple informal channels.

The statement reads that these efforts have already yielded phenomenal results, including raising Scheduled Tribe reservations in Ladakh from 45% to 84%, granting one-third women’s reservation in councils, declaring Bhoti and Purgi as official languages, and initiating the recruitment process for 1,800 posts.

The ministry accused certain “politically motivated” individuals of trying to sabotage the dialogue process, despite the HPC having scheduled further meetings with Ladakh leaders on September 25 and 26 and October 6.

“Despite appeals from several leaders to end the protest, Wangchuk continued his hunger strike and allegedly misled people with provocative references to Arab Spring-style protests and Gen Z demonstrations in Nepal,” it reads.

It added that the situation escalated today at around 11:30 am when a mob allegedly influenced by Wangchuk’s speeches left the protest venue and attacked a political party office and the office of the Chief Executive Councillor (CEC) in Leh, setting both on fire.

“The mob also torched a police vehicle, injured over 30 police and CRPF personnel, and damaged public property. In response, security forces resorted to firing in self-defence, leading to casualties. The situation was brought under control by 4:00 pm,” it reads.

The statement further reads that it is clear that the mob was guided by Sonam Wangchuk through his provocative statements. “Incidentally, amidst these developments, he called off his hunger strike,” the MHA said.

It added that the Government of India remains committed to addressing the aspirations of Ladakh’s people by providing adequate constitutional safeguards.

The ministry also appealed to the public not to circulate old or provocative videos on media or social media that may disrupt peace—(KNO)