Sonam Wangchuk calls off hunger strike as protests seeking statehood turn violent
PTC News Desk: Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk called off his 15-day hunger strike as the movement for statehood for Ladakh and extension of the Sixth Schedule took a violent turn with the BJP office and several vehicles set on fire and hundreds of people taking to the streets.
“I request the youth of Ladakh to stop the violence forthwith as it only causes harm to our cause and further deteriorates the situation. We do not want instability in Ladakh and the country,” Wangchuk told his supporters who had gathered in large numbers at the venue of the strike.
He also took his social media urging youth to maintain peace and cease the violence.
VERY SAD EVENTS IN LEH
My message of peaceful path failed today. I appeal to youth to please stop this nonsense. This only damages our cause.#LadakhAnshan pic.twitter.com/CzTNHoUkoC — Sonam Wangchuk (@Wangchuk66) September 24, 2025
The youth wing of the Leh Apex Body (LAB) organized the protest after two of the 15 individuals on a 35-day hunger strike since September 10 were hospitalized on Tuesday evening due to worsening health conditions.
Following the call, Leh town observed a complete shutdown, with large crowds gathering at the NDS memorial ground before marching through the streets, raising slogans demanding statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule, officials said.
The agitation intensified when protesters attempted to storm the office of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Leh. Police blocked their entry, leading to stone pelting at the premises and security personnel. Several vehicles were set on fire, after which police resorted to tear gas and baton charges to restore order.
- PTC NEWS
