September 25, 2025

Leh shook with anger and unrest recently, and climate hero Sonam Wangchuk is feeling the pain. On Wednesday, he shared his deep sadness over the violence breaking out in the peaceful town. Why did it happen? He points straight at the young hearts boiling with frustration. During an online press conference, Wangchuk revealed, "Two protesters, a 72-year-old man and a 62-year-old woman, were rushed to hospital on Tuesday." This event seemed to spark the violent outbreak. The dedicated activist had been leading a hunger strike in Leh, demanding statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. But when a large number of young people hit the streets, he stopped his hunger strike. Wangchuk explained, "Frustration had been building in the youth as the peaceful protests were not yielding any results." The young people felt ignored and unheard, and their patience snapped. Adding to the gloom, reports suggest that three to five youths may have lost their lives during these disturbing clashes. Sonam Wangchuk's call for justice and constitutional recognition remains strong, but the unrest exposes the heavy price paid by the youth eager for change. The people of Leh are watching, waiting, and hoping for a peaceful path ahead.

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Tags: Sonam wangchuk, Leh violence, Climate activist, Ladakh statehood, Youth frustration, Protests,