Climate activist and social campaigner Sonam Wangchuk has warned of renewed protests in Ladakh from September 19 if the Centre fails to provide assurances on resolving long-standing regional demands. He has given the government one week to respond and said the agitation could continue until September 24.
Wangchuk has been advocating greater autonomy and constitutional safeguards for Ladakh. His latest warning follows a meeting in Delhi between representatives of Ladakh groups and a sub-committee of the Union Home Ministry. According to Wangchuk, leaders from the Apex Body of Leh and the Kargil Democratic Alliance were disappointed with the discussions, saying no substantial progress was made.
The development has revived memories of last year’s unrest in Ladakh, when protests turned violent, resulting in deaths and injuries. Wangchuk was subsequently arrested and spent several months in custody before being released in March 2026. Authorities had accused him of contributing to the unrest, allegations he has rejected.
The Apex Body of Leh has also designated September as a month to remember those who died during last year’s violence. A planned march from Kargil to Leh was postponed because of the scheduled talks with the Centre. Following what Wangchuk described as an unproductive meeting, the organisers have indicated that protest activities could resume from September 19.
Wangchuk has appealed to people across India to support Ladakh’s demands. It remains unclear whether he plans another hunger strike, but he has continued campaigning for political and constitutional reforms since his release.
