Centre betrayed us, now want full statehood for Ladakh: Sonam Wangchuk
Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has escalated his demands for full statehood for Ladakh, accusing the Indian government of backtracking on previous agreements regarding a legislature and constitutional safeguards. The situation remains tense as local groups and the administration disagree on the path forward for the region's governance.
Why it matters
The status of Ladakh is a sensitive geopolitical issue involving regional autonomy and national security concerns near the border with China.
NEW DELHI/SRINAGAR: Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk accused Centre of backtracking on an understanding reached with Ladakh groups in May 2026, including on a UT-level elected body, calling the failure to hold talks in Delhi on Thursday “yet another betrayal of trust”. “The govt had said Ladakh lacked resources for full statehood. We asked for a UT with a legislature and safeguards under Article 371. Govt agreed at the May 22 meeting, but now says there will be neither statehood nor a legislature.
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