सोनम वांगचुक असली दुश्मन - Recentहंगामा

Sonam Wangchuk of Ladakh, often described as an education reformer, once earned global recognition for developing innovative methods to preserve glaciers. His life even inspired parts of Aamir Khan’s film 3 Idiots. Yet, today, the nation is divided over him — is he a reformist hero or a disruptive figure? In recent weeks, Wangchuk’s hunger strike in the freezing conditions of Ladakh has drawn both admiration and criticism. Supporters see him as a defender of the Himalayas, while critics accuse him of playing into the hands of external conspiracies.

The past 36 hours have seen unprecedented turmoil in Ladakh: clashes on the streets, the deaths of four people, and dozens injured. Images of BJP offices and CRPF vehicles in flames have only intensified the debate. On one side, right-wing voices allege that Wangchuk has foreign links, has violated FCRA norms, and is aligned with forces that seek to destabilize India — pointing towards Pakistan and China. On the other, his supporters and opposition leaders emphasize his decades-long contribution to Ladakh: creating alternative schools for children, devising models to combat glacier melting, and campaigning for sustainable development.

On September 10, 2025, Wangchuk began a fast in Leh with the support of elders, women, and youth. For nearly two weeks, the protest remained peaceful. However, tensions spiked after two elderly protesters collapsed during the fast. The following day, demonstrations spiraled into violence, resulting in casualties and widespread damage. Wangchuk later appealed for calm, reiterating that violence was not the movement’s way. But by then, the state had moved in — his arrest followed, with cases filed under multiple charges, including alleged FCRA violations and provocative speeches.

Allegations and Counterclaims

Authorities accuse Wangchuk of receiving irregular foreign funds and of drawing inspiration from uprisings like the Arab Spring, Nepal, and Bangladesh to instigate unrest. His critics cite photos with foreign leaders, alleged visits to Pakistan, and links with international NGOs as proof of hidden agendas. Wangchuk, however, maintains that he is being deliberately targeted for voicing legitimate, democratic demands. He argues that donations received by his organizations were transparent, though some technical lapses in FCRA accounts are being used against him.

Why Ladakh’s Demands Matter

At the core of this unrest are Ladakh’s unique demographic and geographical realities. Nearly 97% of its population belongs to tribal communities. With no state assembly and limited local autonomy, people fear losing control over their land, culture, and identity. The demand for Sixth Schedule protection is crucial: it would create autonomous councils with power over land and natural resources, ensuring that mining, energy projects, and job allocations prioritize locals. The demand for a Public Service Commission and additional parliamentary seats stems from concerns about rising unemployment and underrepresentation.

For the government, Ladakh’s strategic importance on the borders of China and Pakistan means it cannot afford prolonged instability. Suppressing voices with arrests may bring temporary order but risks deepening resentment. The path forward must be dialogue. Wangchuk and his supporters should renounce violence, while the government should engage sincerely with Ladakh’s constitutional demands. Branding him as a traitor or dismissing all concerns as conspiracies will only push the region further into unrest. Ladakh, known as “Little Tibet” and home to ancient Buddhist monasteries, should not be allowed to turn into another flashpoint. Its people seek dignity, identity, and sustainable development. The coming months will decide whether this movement ends in resolution or further division.