The Ladakh administration announced on Saturday, October 4, 2025, that 30 out of 70 youths who were detained following the September 24 protests in Leh have been released. The administration also reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the region’s land, employment opportunities, and general livelihood.
Dr. Pawan Kotwal, the Chief Secretary of Ladakh, addressed the situation of the 70 detained youths, stating that 30 have already been set free. He emphasized that the administration aims to prevent any undue hardship for young people and ensure that no innocent individuals, particularly those who were misguided, face wrongful implication. He added that the remaining 40 youths, currently in judicial custody, will be released once court orders are issued.
Earlier, activist Sonam Wangchuk’s wife had appealed to the Supreme Court for his immediate release.
However, Advocate Dorjay Gyaltsan, a member of the Leh Bar Association, voiced concerns, stating that “The magisterial inquiry into the Leh violence is not proceeding correctly, and detainees are facing harassment.”
This follows an editorial discussing the detention of Sonam Wangchuk and its implications for Ladakh.
Addressing the case of the detained activist Sonam Wangchuk, Mr. Kotwal asserted that investigations would reveal how certain leaders acted negatively, jeopardizing Ladakh’s future. He alleged that these sections, apprehensive of constructive government talks that could resolve many demands, deliberately undermined the process for their own personal and political gain, disregarding Ladakh’s best interests.
A Deliberate Effort to Derail Dialogue
Without directly naming Mr. Wangchuk, Mr. Kotwal claimed that “certain elements, with a clear premeditated intention, sought to obstruct the talks. They continued a hunger strike and misled the populace, creating a volatile law and order situation that tragically led to the loss of four precious lives.”
Previously, authorities had relaxed the curfew in Leh, and a Kargil-based group outlined conditions for resuming discussions.
Mr. Kotwal stated that a thorough investigation is underway and will bring all facts to light. He urged for the investigation to proceed unhindered, adding that this unfortunate situation could have been averted if some leaders had set aside political motives, ended their hunger strike, and engaged in dialogue based on the pre-announced agenda.
Highlighting the Ministry of Home Affairs’ High-Power Committee (HPC), which was established to discuss the demands of the Ladakhis, Mr. Kotwal reiterated the government’s consistent desire for open and constructive dialogue. He affirmed the government’s commitment to addressing the aspirations of the people and initiating the dialogue process promptly.
He reassured the public that Ladakh’s land resources, employment opportunities, and livelihoods would be protected. “The government will collaborate with the people of Ladakh to preserve its unique ecosystem and cultural identity,” he stated. He further emphasized the goal of achieving a carbon-neutral Ladakh, ensuring that “nothing will be decided without consulting local communities. No mining activities have taken place, and politically motivated leaders should refrain from spreading misinformation on this issue.”
Achieving Productive Outcomes Through Dialogue
Furthermore, he dismissed claims of demographic change or cultural genocide in Ladakh, labeling such statements as “misleading and designed to create a smokescreen.”
Regarding the demand for additional Lok Sabha seats, Mr. Kotwal clarified that this matter would be addressed during the delimitation process. He stressed that “our policy on Lok Sabha seats is not solely based on population, and Ladakh will continue to be a priority.”
Mr. Kotwal highlighted the positive outcomes of the Ladakh-Centre discussions, citing domicile laws that now reserve 85% of jobs for Scheduled Tribes (ST) in Ladakh.
“To date, our meetings have been highly productive, yielding significant results,” Mr. Kotwal stated. He pointed to the increase in job reservations for Ladakh’s Scheduled Tribes from 45% to 85%, and the implementation of one-third reservation for women in the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council. Additionally, Balti and Purgi have been officially recognized as Ladakh’s official languages.
Upcoming Recruitment for 1,385 Positions
Mr. Kotwal also announced that the Ladakh administration is currently recruiting for 1,385 gazetted positions via the Ladakh Subordinate Services Staff Selection Board, building on the successful filling of over 3,000 posts in the last three years.
The Chief Secretary’s remarks come ten days after Leh experienced a significant protest. The demonstrators were demanding Statehood for Ladakh, its inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, an additional Lok Sabha seat, and the establishment of a Public Service Commission.
Meanwhile, mobile internet services in Leh remained suspended on Saturday, according to officials. While primary schools have resumed classes, higher-grade educational institutions are still closed.
In a separate development, Kushok Thiksey, a respected Buddhist priest, Head Lama, and former Member of Parliament, urged the people of Ladakh to react to recent events with “peace, non-violence, and calm.” He also called on New Delhi to “address Ladakh’s four-point agenda through sincere and peaceful dialogue,” and pressed the administration to handle public concerns with empathy and restraint to foster trust and stability.