Sonam Wangchuk labels Leh violence ‘Gen-Z Revolution’, appeals for peaceful resolution

Hours after the violent protests erupted in Leh, activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his hunger strike, which he had undertaken to demand statehood for the Union Territory of Ladakh, on its 15th day. Condemning the violence, he appealed to the youth to refrain from destructive actions, warning that such violence undermines his five-year-long struggle.

At least four people lost their lives and over 70 were injured on Wednesday after police opened fire and deployed teargas to control students and youth who set ablaze the BJP office and vehicles in Leh, after their statehood protest turned violent. Authorities have imposed a curfew across the Leh district to prevent further unrest.

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In a video posted on X, he said, “On the 15th day of our strike, I am pained to say that several incidents of violence, arson, and vandalism took place in Leh today. Two people on strike had to be hospitalised yesterday. This sparked outrage. A bandh was announced today, and thousands of youngsters hit the streets.”

Referring to Wednesday’s violent protest as “kind of Gen-Z revolution”, the activist said the youth have been jobless for five years which made it a recipe for social unrest. “There is no democratic platform here. I appealed to the youngsters to shun the path of violence. This nullifies my five-year struggle. They have been unemployed for five years. One after the other pretext, they are being kept out of their jobs. I have always said that this is a remedy. This is a remedy for social unrest in the society. That you keep the unemployed youth, and take away their democratic rights,” he lamented.

Blaming the government for the violent protests, Wangchuk urged it to be sensitive about Ladakh. “I would like to tell the youth to take the path of peace. I want to tell the whole country that this path is not shown by me. This is a result of their violence. But this is not the time to create violence. It is the time to have a peaceful conversation with the government,” he added.