Ladakh deserves rights over its resources: Wangchuk
Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk reiterated on Sunday that the rights that Ladakh deserves, democratic rights, constitutional rights, and rights over its resources, should be ensured just like in the rest of the country.
Wangchuk, who visited Kargil for the first time after he was released from Jodhpur jail on March 14, said unity between regions like Leh and Kargil has given strength to the movement in support of their demands, including statehood for Ladakh and extension of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution to the region.
“It is for the first time that people from different parts of Ladakh came together and raised their voice in unity. This spirit must be preserved,” he emphasised.
Accompanied by Leh Alex Body (LAB) co-chairman Chering Dorjey, Sonam Wangchuk was earlier accorded a warm welcome by the Kargil Development Authority (KDA) leadership, including its co-chairman Asgar Ali Karbalai, Member of Parliament Haneefa Jan and prominent leader Sajjad Kargili.
Thanking the people and leadership of KDA, Wangchuk emphasised unity across Ladakh and the country, urging people to rise above divisions and work collectively for a better future.
“What should unite us is humanity and a shared sense of being Indian. We should not get divided into ‘this side’ or ‘that side,’ nor into religion or sect; we must come closer to one another, not drift apart,” he said.
Highlighting Ladakh’s ongoing demands, he said the issue concerns the entire region and must be addressed collectively.
Calling for a broader vision, Wangchuk said, “If we move forward seeing each other simply as human beings, leaving behind divisions, then not just Ladakh but the whole country can become more peaceful and prosperous.”
In his address, Ladakh MP termed the release of Wangchuk “a victory of our honesty and our truth” and stressed that while the movement has been firm, its core approach remains rooted in dialogue, urging the government to engage sincerely with the people of Ladakh.
“We have always wanted a solution through dialogue, but this dialogue must be sincere and genuinely reflect the aspirations of the people of Ladakh,” he said.
Jan appealed to the Union Home Minister Amit Shah to resume talks at the earliest, emphasising that discussions should lead to concrete outcomes. “There must be honest deliberation on our demands, and a solution should be worked out in accordance with the wishes of the people.”
At the same time, Jan cautioned against using dialogue as a delaying tactic, noting that Ladakh’s people have been raising their demands for five to six years without meaningful resolution.
“We are peace-loving people and have always expressed our protests in a calm and dignified manner, but our patience should not be tested,” he said.
Reiterating the need for unity to strengthen negotiations, he warned against attempts to divide the region and dilute the movement. “We must stay united and not allow any forces to create differences among us,” he said, adding that a united Ladakh would be better positioned to achieve a just and lasting solution through dialogue.
Dorjey expressed gratitude to the people for their support, saying the warm reception reflected public solidarity with the movement. He warned that efforts were being made to create divisions and urged the public of both districts to remain vigilant and united. “Do not allow anyone to make us fight among ourselves,” he said, underlining that unity is essential to sustain the movement.
Asgar Ali Karbalai said the movement remains open to dialogue but rejected any attempt to use talks to dilute its demands.
“The movement is not afraid of dialogue, it is ready with an open mind and sincerity, but it should not be used to impose one’s will,” he said, asserting that Ladakhis “will never bow down.
