The Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) has issued a powerful call for the immediate and unconditional release of prominent activist Sonam Wangchuk and other individuals detained following the violence in Leh on September 24, 2025. The KDA sternly cautioned the central government that its persistent failure to address Ladakh’s fundamental demands for statehood and constitutional protections is fostering a dangerous sense of alienation among the region’s inhabitants.
The KDA, alongside the Leh Apex Body, is at the forefront of the movement advocating for Ladakh’s statehood and crucial constitutional safeguards. They explicitly blamed the Union Territory administration for the recent violence in Leh, which tragically resulted in four deaths and left scores injured, including members of the security forces.
During a press conference in New Delhi, Sajjad Kargili, a key member of the KDA, reiterated the demand for the unconditional release of Mr. Wangchuk. He highlighted that Mr. Wangchuk was held under the severe National Security Act (NSA) and imprisoned in Jodhpur, along with other young leaders detained in Leh.
Kargili emphatically stated that the calls for full statehood and constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule are absolutely “non-negotiable.”
“In a period when the nation confronts numerous challenges,” Kargili remarked, “treating the people of Ladakh, a highly sensitive region, in this manner will only deepen their feelings of alienation and insecurity.” He urged the government to “act with wisdom and engage with the populace sensibly.”
“The alarming use of bullets, which caused widespread injuries, clearly underscores the urgent need for accountability… This incident serves as a stark reminder of why democracy is so vital,” Mr. Kargili asserted.
He challenged the government’s position, questioning, “What offense did Ladakh commit by demanding democracy, especially when Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself champions democracy as being in the ‘DNA’ of Indians?” Mr. Kargili firmly declared the UT administration’s response a complete failure, specifically highlighting their “lack of preparedness and the decision to resort to live fire.”
“The CRPF has failed our people,” he stated unequivocally. “Twenty of our soldiers were martyred at the China border, yet the government withheld permission to engage the Chinese army. What kind of government authorizes opening fire on its own peaceful protesters?” he demanded.
The KDA leader called for a thorough and impartial judicial inquiry into the violent events, emphasizing the need for accountability from an administration that reportedly possessed prior intelligence regarding potential unrest.
“If intelligence was available, why were no preventive measures taken? Why was it necessary to open fire?” he queried, drawing a parallel to the 2019 abrogation of Article 370 in Kashmir, which saw a comprehensive shutdown to prevent unrest.
“The protestors at the fast site remained peaceful until the very end. The escalation occurred elsewhere. We insist on an impartial judicial investigation,” he affirmed.
Mr. Kargili recognized that Mr. Wangchuk’s arrest has significantly elevated the region’s concerns onto the national stage. “Previously, few were aware of Ladakh’s struggles, but Sonam Wangchuk’s detention has brought our demands and issues into every household across the nation,” he noted.
He forecasted a wave of nationwide protests, observing, “What began as a protest solely in Ladakh will now spread to various corners of the country.” He underscored that meaningful dialogue has historically only commenced in the wake of protests, pointing out that an upcoming meeting with Union Government representatives, scheduled for September 30, 2025, was arranged only after Mr. Wangchuk initiated his recent fast.
“A profound sense of alienation and betrayal is growing among the people of Ladakh,” Mr. Kargili stated, adding a poignant warning: “The people of Ladakh are a vital strength of this nation. They must not be pushed to the brink.”
He reaffirmed that their long-standing demands remain steadfast and non-negotiable, declaring, “The concept of Union Territory has utterly failed to fulfill the aspirations of our people.” Mr. Kargili alleged that authorities are deliberately leveraging festivals to divert the attention of Ladakh’s residents, sidelining them from crucial policy discussions. He concluded by stating that the people of Ladakh are unequivocally demanding the protection of their tribal identity and the genuine implementation of democratic principles.