National Conference president Farooq Abdullah issued a stern warning on Thursday, September 25, 2025, emphasizing that the central government must engage in direct talks with the people of Ladakh. He stressed that failure to address their fundamental aspirations could create a dangerous void, potentially leading to unwanted external interference in this critical border region.
His remarks come just a day after Leh was rocked by violence stemming from persistent demands for statehood. Abdullah underscored the delicate nature of Ladakh, highlighting its strategic significance.
Addressing reporters in Srinagar, Abdullah stated, ‘I urge the government to recognize Ladakh as a sensitive border region. With China’s presence and its occupation of land, a swift resolution is paramount. Dialogue is the only path forward to address these pressing issues.’
When questioned about the government’s attempts to hold climate activist Sonam Wangchuk responsible for the recent violence, the former chief minister staunchly defended him, asserting that the peace activist bore no culpability.
Abdullah elaborated, ‘Wangchuk has consistently adhered to non-violent, Gandhian principles. It is the frustration of the youth, feeling ignored, that has led to this situation, not Wangchuk. The current administration, after their electoral losses, resorted to imposing safety laws and jailing individuals, and now they employ the CBI. I caution the Indian government: suppressing dissent with force only amplifies the danger. Instead, they must engage in meaningful dialogue.’
The unrest in Leh on Wednesday tragically resulted in four deaths and over 80 injuries during a day-long shutdown. This protest was organized by the Leh Apex Body (LAB), a group advocating vigorously for Ladakh to be granted statehood.
Dismissing suggestions of external instigation in Ladakh, the former Chief Minister clarified his stance.
He affirmed, ‘There are no external actors at play here; this is purely the voice of the people themselves.’
Abdullah pointed out that for the past half-decade, Ladakh’s populace has been quietly but persistently protesting, demanding the implementation of the Sixth Schedule and full statehood.
He highlighted, ‘Their leader embarked on a march from Leh to Delhi, peacefully advocating for these demands, following Mahatma Gandhi’s principles, not violent agitation. However, the youth grew disillusioned, perceiving these promises as empty, and eventually, their patience wore thin.’
Abdullah urged the central government to draw a crucial lesson from the current situation in Ladakh and promptly fulfill its commitments to Jammu and Kashmir.
He questioned, ‘Statehood was pledged to Jammu and Kashmir, but where is it? This situation should serve as a wake-up call. What about the promises made to us? Where are the promised jobs? Instead, we see outsiders being imposed.’
When asked if his party endorsed the recent violent protests in Ladakh, he reiterated that the National Conference has always adhered to non-violent, Gandhian methods.
He added, ‘We have made sacrifices but have never resorted to violence. However, I cannot definitively predict the actions of the youth moving forward.’
Responding to allegations from the BJP blaming the Congress for the Ladakh violence, Abdullah dismissed them as a clear attempt to shirk responsibility.
He countered, ‘The BJP has been in power since 2019. The Congress’s role here is negligible; they can barely assemble ten individuals. This is typical deflection on the part of the BJP.’
Abdullah unequivocally held the central government leadership accountable for the escalating crisis in Ladakh.
He urged, ‘Engage in actual dialogue, don’t merely speak of it. Delhi’s leaders are responsible for this turmoil. They engaged in hollow discussions, leading the youth to feel utterly betrayed. The government must act swiftly and resolve this matter immediately.’
Abdullah reiterated his warning: if a vacuum is allowed to persist in the Ladakh region, other powers will inevitably attempt to exploit it.
He elaborated, ‘That void will be filled. This is an extremely sensitive territory. China, for instance, has a keen interest in Ladakh. Even Prime Minister Narendra Modi traveled to China, ostensibly to improve bilateral relations.’
Abdullah also touched upon international relations, noting that the United States is now criticizing India’s stance on the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
He stated, ‘America is questioning our purchases of Russian oil. Even former President Trump accused us of supporting the war in Ukraine, yet the reality is that we have maintained a neutral position.’
In response to the government’s denial of Chinese land occupation in Ladakh, Abdullah asserted that the global community is well aware of the extent of Chinese encroachment.
He passionately questioned, ‘We are unable to patrol our own territory. How long will we continue to live in denial and falsehoods?’