“Cricket OK, Protest Not?” Ladakh Activists Demand Sonam Wangchuk’s Release

Ladakh Activists Demand Sonam Wangchuk’s Release, Question Politicisation.

Leaders of the Kargil Democratic Alliance have demanded the immediate release of Ramon Magsaysay awardee Sonam Wangchuk, questioning why his attendance at a UN climate change conference in Pakistan is being politicised. They pointed out the inconsistency, noting that India continues to play cricket with Pakistan despite ongoing tensions.

Wangchuk was arrested last week under the National Security Act following unrest in Ladakh on September 24, which left four civilians and one soldier dead. Authorities accused him of inciting violence through speeches. He is currently in Jodhpur jail.

At a press meet in Delhi, Sajjad Kargili of the Kargil Democratic Alliance said, “He attended a UN conference on climate change. If playing cricket with Pakistan is not a crime, why is this being politicised?”

Wangchuk’s wife, social entrepreneur Gitanjali J Angmo, clarified that the visit was for a UN-backed event addressing climate issues transcending geopolitical boundaries, where Wangchuk even praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s environmental initiatives.

The activists also called for a judicial probe into the September 24 violence, criticizing the government for the use of force. They reiterated long-standing demands including:

• Statehood for Ladakh
• Inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution
• Gazetted jobs for youth
• Separate Lok Sabha seats for Leh and Kargil

Environmental justice activist Manshi Asher emphasized that the movement is rooted in cultural identity, democracy, and employment concerns, not politics.

The Ladakh leaders plan to meet Ministry of Home Affairs officials ahead of a high-level meeting scheduled for October 6. Activists stressed that while initial bifurcation in 2019 was welcomed, growing unrest reflects demands for restoration of statehood and protection of tribal rights under the Sixth Schedule.