The dark side of Ladakh’s protests
In the Ladakh region, known for its tranquil Buddhist ethos and breathtaking landscapes, recent events have cast a dark shadow. Violent protests demanding statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution have erupted, leading to the tragic loss of life and widespread chaos. Four people have been killed, and over 70 injured in clashes that mark the worst unrest in decades. This violence, far from the peace-loving nature of Ladakh, is deeply deplorable. It not only undermines the democratic fabric of our nation but also plays into the hands of those with ulterior motives. At the centre of this turmoil stands climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, whose campaign, upon closer scrutiny, reveals inconsistencies, foreign linkages, and a possible hidden agenda that threatens India’s strategic interests in this sensitive border area.
Ladakh’s transformation into a Union Territory in 2019 was hailed as a step towards empowerment and development. Yet, the current demands for the Sixth Schedule—which grants autonomous councils to tribal areas—must be viewed with caution. Granting such status could severely hamper the Central government’s infrastructure push, essential for national security. Historically, Ladakh remained inaccessible for six months annually due to harsh winters and snowbound passes. Thanks to the Modi government’s relentless efforts, over 1,670 kilometres of roads have been constructed since 2019, ensuring year-round connectivity. Projects like the Z-Morh tunnel, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, now provide all-weather access to Sonamarg, boosting tourism, trade, and military mobility. The Shinkun La tunnel, set to be the world’s highest, further exemplifies this commitment to bridging remote areas. These developments are not mere conveniences; they are lifelines in a region bordering China, where swift troop movements can deter aggression. Allowing autonomous councils under the Sixth Schedule might be exploited to stall such projects, citing local concerns, thereby jeopardising India’s defence posture. The protests’ opposition to infrastructure in the name of ecological balance seems suspiciously timed, potentially serving external interests rather than Ladakh’s welfare.
Sonam Wangchuk, often portrayed as a self-made innovator inspired by the film 3 Idiots, is no rags-to-riches story. Born in 1966 near Alchi in Leh, he hails from a privileged background. His father, Sonam Wangyal, was a prominent politician who served as a minister in the Jammu and Kashmir Congress government in 1975, prompting the family to relocate to Srinagar. This political lineage casts doubt on Wangchuk’s apolitical activist image. Far from being an underdog, he benefited from familial connections in a region long dominated by Kashmir-centric politics. His sudden emergence as Ladakh’s champion, especially after decades of silence on regional injustices, raises eyebrows. Why did he not protest when Ladakh received only 5% of Jammu and Kashmir’s electricity allocation? His activism appears selective, aligning more with political opportunism than genuine reform.
Adding to the suspicions are probes into Wangchuk’s organizations for Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) violations. The Ministry of Home Affairs recently cancelled the FCRA licence of the Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL), citing serious financial irregularities, including depositing local funds into FCRA accounts and diverting them for unauthorised activities. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is also investigating the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives, Ladakh (HIAL), and other entities linked to him for similar breaches. Sources indicate foreign funding, possibly from US-based entities like the Future Earth Foundation, fuelling these operations. Such inflows, if unchecked, could influence campaigns that disrupt India’s border infrastructure. Wangchuk’s denial of dependency on foreign funds rings hollow amid these revelations, suggesting a deeper agenda to mobilise unrest under the guise of environmentalism.
The China angle further unmasks potential motives. The ongoing India-China standoff in Ladakh, simmering since 2020, stems largely from India’s accelerated infrastructure development along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). China’s control over Aksai Chin has seen massive road and tunnel constructions, including underground bunkers, without a peep from Wangchuk. Why the selective outrage? India’s Darbuk-Shyok-DBO Road has provoked Chinese pre-emptive actions, as it enhances access to strategic areas. Protests opposing Indian projects echo Beijing’s discomfort, potentially weakening New Delhi’s position in this geopolitical chessboard.
Several loose ends in Wangchuk’s campaign bolster the debunking. First, his silence on China’s aggressive build-up in Aksai Chin contrasts sharply with his vocal criticism of Indian efforts. Second, the protests deviate from Ladakh’s peaceful traditions; over 50 arrests in Leh revealed many detainees as Nepalese nationals, linked to organizations like Students for Tibet, which have played disruptive roles in Nepal. This suggests external orchestration rather than organic Ladakhi dissent. Third, in 2019, Wangchuk profusely thanked the Central government for granting Union Territory status, tweeting gratitude for “democratic decentralization.” Within six years, he pivots to demanding full statehood—an unrealistic escalation that smacks of inconsistency.
This is not a one-off, fleeting episode. The violence signals a scripted escalation, with government sources alleging Wangchuk’s provocative references to “Gen Z protests in Nepal” and “Arab Spring-style” uprisings incited the mob. Expect aggressive media posturing by self-proclaimed intellectuals, podcasters, and social media influencers framing infrastructure as ecological threats. This narrative warfare—street protests fused with opinion pieces decrying government insensitivity to climate change—aims to stall progress. The toolkit is activated, potentially spreading unrest nationwide.
The Government of India and the public must remain vigilant. Deploying experienced governors versed in countering such narrative battles is imperative to restore peace and thwart disturbances hindering rapid infrastructure growth. Ladakh deserves development, not division. Let us deplore this violence unequivocally and expose agendas that prioritise personal or foreign gains over national security. Only through unity can we safeguard this jewel of the Himalayas.
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1. Text in Blue points to additional data on the topic.
2. The views expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of PGurus.
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