Leh, September 27(KNS): The Ladakh Territorial Congress Committee has strongly condemned the arrest of renowned climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, describing it as “unwarranted” and politically motivated.
In a statement issued to KNS, Congress President Nawang Rigzin Jora said Wangchuk’s only fault was holding the BJP accountable to its election promise of including Ladakh under the 6th Schedule.
He also highlighted Wangchuk’s consistent advocacy for the other demands of the APEX KDA combine, including statehood for Ladakh, separate parliamentary seats for Leh and Kargil, and increased recruitment in government jobs. According to the statement, Ladakh has the second-highest unemployment rate at the graduate level, as per government statistics.
The statement outlined Wangchuk’s past efforts as a Gandhian activist, noting that he has undertaken satyagrahas, fasts (Anshan), and padayatras over the last five years. The Congress said he had become the most visible face of the Ladakh agitation, which, it claimed, made him a target for the central government.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
Wangchuk’s recent 35-day Anshan, carried out along with volunteers under the APEX Body, was called off on September 24, 2025, following violent clashes between the youth and administration authorities that resulted in four deaths and several injuries. The Congress statement suggested that the government used Wangchuk as a scapegoat for the unrest.
The party emphasized Wangchuk’s achievements, including the Magassy Award, Rolex Award, several honorary doctorates, and national and international recognition for his contributions as an educationist, innovator, and climate activist. It also noted his rare invitation to address the Nobel Committee in 2018.
Jora said the arrest under a “draconian law” is a matter of national concern and criticized the influence of corporate interests on democratic processes. The statement concluded with the Ladakhi saying, “KI KI SO SO LHARGYALO! Truth shall prevail! Satya Meva Jayte!”(KNS).