The BRICS TimesAfter violent clashes in Ladakh, Sonam Wangchuk ended his hunger strike. Appealing to the youth for calm, he said his message of peaceful protest had failed. Wangchuk had been on a hunger strike for 15 days demanding full statehood.
Gen Z Raises Voice for Statehood in Leh
On Wednesday (September 24), young protestors in Leh launched a fierce movement against the central government demanding statehood for Ladakh. The agitation, led by social activist Sonam Wangchuk, had been peaceful for 15 days but suddenly turned violent. Students clashed with police and security forces. Protestors set fire to the BJP office, pelted stones at police, and torched a CRPF vehicle.
Wangchuk’s Appeal After Violence
Following the unrest, Sonam Wangchuk released a video on social media. In its caption, he wrote, “Very unfortunate incidents in Leh. Today my message of peaceful path has failed. I appeal to the youth, please stop this stupidity. It only damages our cause.”
“Widespread Violence and Anger in Leh”
In his video statement, Wangchuk said with sorrow, “On the 15th day of my fast, it pains me to say that large-scale violence and vandalism erupted in Leh today. Several offices were damaged, police vehicles were set on fire.” He added that two people fasting for 35 days were hospitalized in critical condition yesterday, sparking anger among citizens. The city then witnessed a complete shutdown.
“Frustrated Youth Took to the Streets”
According to Wangchuk, thousands of young people filled the streets. He clarified that this was not organized support but an outburst of frustration. “The youth have been jobless for five years. Repeated excuses have kept them away from employment. Ladakh is also denied protection. Today, there is no democratic platform available here,” he said.
“Violence is Not Our Path”
Wangchuk appealed to the young generation to avoid violence at any cost. “This destroys five years of our peaceful struggle. We have been fasting, marching, and protesting peacefully for years. If it all ends in violence, then this is not our path,” he emphasized. He urged youth to present demands before the government peacefully and also called on the authorities to respond sensitively instead of ignoring repeated appeals.
“Time to Talk Peacefully”
The activist further told the government to adopt a sensitive approach towards Ladakh. He insisted that now is the time for dialogue, not destruction. “I want to tell the nation, violence is not the path I showed. This is the result of bottled-up anger. But this is the time to talk to the government peacefully,” Wangchuk stressed.
Hunger Strike Ends After 15 Days
Observing the rising unrest, Sonam Wangchuk declared that his peaceful approach had failed. He said violence only harms their shared mission. Considering the circumstances, he broke his hunger strike after 15 days.
Reason Behind the Protests
Wangchuk has long been demanding statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. Despite months of appeals, the central government has taken no decisive step. The denial of these demands triggered protests, which escalated into violent clashes during today’s shutdown.
