Unfortunate Incident: 24th September 2025 (Ladakh)
When the Union Territory of Ladakh was created in August 2019, I felt the same joy that many in Ladakh experienced. I imagined a transparent and corruption-free administration, with efficient governance and expected a fair and timely recruitment in new Union Territory Administration. Being a dreamer, I began to imagine transformative policy changes and innovative schemes taking shape in the newly created Union Territory.
6 years have passed, and i see nothing, but agitated people and disappointed students and aspirants. And Today marks the 7th day of the imposition of Section 166 under the BNS in Leh. The city is in a heavy silence: a painful one. On the 24th of September, 2025 Ladakh lost four precious lives. I am only now beginning to come to terms with this reality, after being in denial that such a tragedy could occur in Leh. The fact that 4 lives were lost: 3 students in their 20s and 1 Ex-serviceman in his 40s and many others injured due to bullet firing makes this an unprecedented and black day in the history of Ladakh.
The pressing question that continues to echo in my mind: why this unfortunate incident occurred? How it gets escalated that much and turned violent leading to loss of 4 precious lives?
The public seeks answers, and demanding an independent and impartial judicial inquiry to uncover the truth of that tragic day.
As time passes, mainstream media may gradually shift its focus to other stories. It therefore becomes our collective responsibility to preserve the memory of this incident and make resolve to ensure that such incident is never repeated.
The next question that arises is, who should be held accountable? Blame game is on from every side and I believe the general public still in shock and confused. Here I attempt to put my perspective.
Government
1. Unfulfilled Promise: People of Ladakh trusted this Government and specially the leadership of our Prime Minister and people voted and gave mandate to ruling party for 1st time in history in 2014 and again supported twice: one in 2019 Lok Sabha and other in 2020 LAHDC election: both time the promise of granting 6th schedule status found in their Manifestos. However, the government failed to deliver its promises. One thing become clear that people of Ladakh do not have slave mentality, they are disappointed with lies and hence responded by replacing Member of Parliament in 2024 and keep protesting peacefully.
2. Opaque decision making: Later, following some high-level discussions the decision was taken to drop the demand for the 6th Schedule from their agenda. However, neither the people of Ladakh nor even the leaders were informed about the nature of these discussions or about the alternative governance/political model being envisaged for the region. It is still not very clear.
3. Lack of consultation/ Unilateral Decisions: There is absence of meaningful engagement with local leaders and communities. Evident from creations of additional 5 districts, which I see as no involvement of people and leader. People of Nubra & Zanskar were demanding districts and other districts of Changthang, Sham, Drass comes as surprise (point here is about their unilateral decisions not why these regions included). At national level as well, Government is coming with some surprise announcement without consultation and some people project it as masterstrokes.
4. Delayed Talks: Since 2019, the people of Ladakh are in a state of confusion. The prolonged delays in holding meaningful discussions & meetings makes people anxious. With institutions such as Panchayat missing with no elections, no people’s representatives, the limited powers of the LAHDC, and absence of legislature, people’s fear of losing their voice was genuine and it keep accumulating and with time more and more people realise the threats.
5. Violence in the Land of Buddha: The delay in addressing critical issues has escalated to the point where violence erupted & precious lives lost in a region so known for its peace, harmony and non-violence. While the government invokes Buddhist principles of non-violence and tolerance in its foreign policy and aspires to project India as a ‘Vishwa Guru,’ allowing such unrest in a land historically celebrated for its serenity raises questions about governance, timely intervention, and the protection of its citizens.
6. MHA Press Release: Attempt to put all blame on Mr. Sonam Wangchuk, by citing some short clips of his speeches seems wrong. In fact, many among the protestors may not even have noted these references in the way they are being highlighted. For example Arab Spring, very few might take note of it. Personally, I find these allegations to be vague and government might regret later. My perspective come from past experience and I find it important to recall similar allegations were made during previous government in Ladakh, later then-minister and then ruling leader come in public forum and with tears in his eyes extended an apology to Mr. Wangchuk. Booking him under the National Security Act (NSA) may appear justified from the government’s perspective, given that lives have been lost and decisive action is required. However, the measure is severe, and portraying him as anti-national seems to go far beyond the facts of the situation.
Many who trusted government are dissenting, many who were neutral on statehood & 6th schedule are voicing now. Government should fulfil its promises made to Ladakh earliest.
Administration
I believe that in Union Territory, when people are under direct control of center and have limited local representation, UT administration’s responsibilities become doubled and tripled to stay connected with people and ground realities specially when you know the UT Ladakh is a strategic location.
But that did not happen. UT officials have often failed to engage with locals effectively, resulting in a significant disconnect between administration and community. Instead of leveraging the strong social cohesion and community bonds of Ladakh for constructive governance, they seem to perceived it as a challenge.
Observing the press conferences held after unfortunate incident by the District and UT administrations clearly highlights these gaps.
Deputy Commissioner comes with one page note and read it like and There is little to no emotional engagement or connection with the people.
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Lt Governor is seen defending killings and attributes the unrest to external influences. Not taking accountability that it happened under his governorship. People demanding fair investigation & Governor’s resignation.
Regarding the DGP (Director General of Police), someone entrusted with the immense responsibility of maintaining law and order, I was personally disappointed when he cited YouTube as a credible source for allegations against Mr. Sonam Wangchuk. This statement alone raises serious concerns about judgment and the standards expected from such a high office.
Local Political Leader: They keep playing BJP-Congress and they forget all values. Both major parties owe a collective apology to the people of Ladakh for their failures. The Ruling party appears to have influenced public opinion by promoting narratives of hatred, while the Opposition party seems to be following the same trajectory rather than taking corrective measures.
Are we genuinely working to further strengthening the peace and harmony in region? or are we falling back into the old political tactics of creating divisions and fueling unrest?
I understand that LAHDC has limited power, BUT as an ordinary resident, several questions echo in my mind.
- How many times do Council hold sessions for escalation of our demands?
- How is council working?
- How many times they are meeting and what kind of discussion happened there for welfare of people and empowerment of society?
- Most importantly beyond formal sessions, how often do all councilors set aside personal differences and egos to engage in collective discussions aimed at putting the genuine demands of the people?
These are questions people should raise at local level.
I am no one, but merely an ordinary resident, evolving and growing at my own pace. Honestly, I am deeply affected by the unfortunate incident.
I understand that our leaders, including civil society, religious groups, and non-governmental organizations in Ladakh ultimately desire the well-being of the region. What is most needed at this moment is an honest reflection to identify the root causes of the issues arising in Ladakh by asking questions to ourself.
In politics, the tendency is putting finger to other and blaming other, BUT Can we, the people of Ladakh with a population of only around three lakhs, really afford to engage in divisive politics of the kind seen in larger states or at the national level?
Is it not possible for us to imagine a politics that is less brutal, less driven by hate, and more cooperative in nature?
Perhaps it sounds idealistic, even naive, but can politics be rooted in ethical values?
Keep Asking Questions
People will always act according to their own values & judgements, but what is important is questioning the rumors before accepting them as truth, even if they come from your closest friends or family.
If by chance any of you reach here, thank you for patiently reading this piece.
I am an ordinary person from Ladakh. I am not naturally drawn to activism and usually feel uncomfortable in the spotlight. Yet today, I feel it is my responsibility to speak out and share some thoughts. As it reminds me that a nation grows stronger when its cities and states are nurtured by conscious and engaged citizens.
Thank You
