Himalayas erupt in support of Sonam Wangchuk

Dehradun, Sept 27

The people of Himalayan region have risen against the arrest and incarceration of Ladakh activist Sonam Wangchuk. ‘Save Himalayas People’s Committee’ would be holding a candle march at Gandhi Park, here today evening to protest against his unwarranted arrest. Similarly, ‘Pan-Himalayan Solidarity for Democracy, ecological justice and constitutional protection in Ladakh’ in a statement has also condemned the arrest and repression of popular movement for Sixth Schedule status and statehood in Ladakh.

The following is the statement issued by ‘Save Himalayas People’s Committee’:

‘We, the people who live in the lap of the Himalayas and love our place of dwelling are deeply disturbed by the arrest of Sonam Wangchuk, well-known climate activist and innovator, in a most undemocratic way. This action by the central government would only aggravate the peaceful movement of people of Ladakah against ongoing deprivations, repressions, suppressions and false promises sending a chilling message that any sensible voice against the plunder of Himalayan resources and utter negligence of the suffering Himalayan people will not be tolerated anymore’.

‘The Himalayan region is facing unprecedented calamities like excessive downpour because of frequent cloudbursts, flash floods, landslides and earthquakes due to the spree of urbanization and tourism projects, reckless deforestation and installation of hydal power generation units in most unscientific, unplanned and illogical way ignoring the warnings of the scientists and environment activists. Also, biodiversity and disruption of ecological balance are posing serious threat to the life and livelihood as well as culture of the local peace-loving people’.

‘Sonam Wangchuk is a renowned climate activist who has been tirelessly working to promote sustainable development and environmental protection in the Himalayas in an innovative way without in any way harming the nature. His arrest is a clear attempt to silence a voice that has been upholding the cause of the Himalayan people and the protection of the region’s delicate ecosystem.

We demand unconditional release of Sonam Wangchuk and demand of the central government to:

– Drop all charges against him and other activists who have been working for the welfare of the Himalayan region

– Engage in a meaningful dialogue with local communities and stakeholders to address their concerns and develop time-bound sustainable development plans for the region

– Prioritize environmental protection and sustainability in its policies and projects, rather than catering to the interests of big national and international corporates

The arrest of Sonam Wangchuk is a glaring testimony of the government’s utter disregard of the voice of the Himalayan people and the environmental concerns of this region of serene beauty. We stand in solidarity with Wangchuk and once again call upon the government to prioritize the well-being of the Himalayan region and its people, rather than tamely succumbing to the interests of corporate entities.’

The Pan-Himalayan Solidarity for Democracy, ecological justice and constitutional protection in Ladakh issued the following statement:-

‘The People for Himalaya strongly condemns the recent and ongoing repression of the popular movement for Sixth Schedule status and statehood in Ladakh.

The violence that erupted on 24 September 2025 in Leh—resulting in the tragic loss of 4 lives and injuries to over 80, among them both civilians and security personnel—is condemnable. We mourn deeply with the families who have lost their loved ones and extend heartfelt condolences to all who have suffered. This grievous loss was entirely avoidable and lies squarely at the feet of the central government, which has failed in its commitments and instead chosen repression over reconciliation.

The peaceful movement in Ladakh is rooted in a long, legitimate, and peaceful demand for Sixth Schedule recognition—an aspiration stemming from the region’s predominantly Indigenous tribal population and their desire to preserve ancestral land, autonomy, and ecological integrity. Multiple rounds of dialogue with the central government have not yielded substantive progress. The government’s failure to grant Sixth Schedule status and statehood, or provide even the constitutional safeguards they previously assured, is a betrayal that needs to be addressed immediately.

The demand for Sixth Schedule protection is not merely a political claim; it is a call for the right to self-governance in a uniquely vulnerable ecological zone, where indigenous communities have protected their lands and livelihoods for generations. These rights have been eroded by the increasing pace of resource extraction, commercial exploitation, and top-down decision-making, issues now compounded by the existential threat of climate change. The cycle of disasters that the Himalayan region is reeling under has reached its peak in the monsoons of 2025 and its impacts have been cascadingly felt right down to the plains and downstream regions. The People for Himalaya a campaign for highlighting the impacts of Himalayan disasters and advocating for justice stand resolutely with the people of Ladakh as they strive to defend their identity and environment from irreversible harm.

Last but not the least, the arrest and detention of renowned Ladakhi climate activist, engineer, and movement leader Sonam Wangchuk, under the draconian National Security Act, is an outrage to the principle of peaceful protest and dialogue. Wangchuk’s fifteen-day hunger strike and his repeated calls for nonviolence were a testament to the ethical and democratic nature of this movement. To persecute a popular leader making a constitutional demand is both an affront to Ladakh’s aspirations and an attack on the right to dissent. We demand Sonam Wangchuk’s immediate and unconditional release, and the restoration of his constitutional rights, so that dialogue can resume in good faith. We demand an independent judicial inquiry into the 24 September 2025 incident where excessive force was used to curb protest leading to deaths and injuries.

It is imperative that the central government honor not only its promises, but also the constitutional and moral foundations upon which democracy depends. The People for Himalaya stand firmly for peace with justice for Ladakh’s people, and for the protection of the Himalayan environment for the present and future generations in the mountains and the country.

People for Himalaya (People for Himalaya campaign is an initiative of progressive groups, civil society organisations and activists from the Himalayan region. The campaign is not affiliated with any political party.)_