Citizens in Pune Demand Immediate Release of Sonam Wangchuk, Call for Statehood for Ladakh

Reported by Anil Dhanwate
Shivajinagar, 4th October 2025: Citizens, students, and social activists in Pune on Saturday held a peaceful protest march demanding the immediate release of Ladakh-based education reformer and environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk, who was recently arrested. Demonstrators also called for statehood for Ladakh and the implementation of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution to safeguard the region’s culture and autonomy.

The protest, organized as a padyatra (peace march), began from the statue of Rani Laxmibai and concluded at Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Udyan. Participants included Pune residents, students from various colleges, social activists, and students from Ladakh studying in Pune.
Placards and banners carried by the protesters demanded Wangchuk’s unconditional release and criticized the government for allegedly silencing peaceful voices.

Allegations Are False, Release Wangchuk Immediately
“The allegations against Sonam Wangchuk are false. He should be released immediately, and all charges against him must be withdrawn. The other activists arrested in Ladakh should also be freed,” said Ashish Kothari, an environmentalist who has been working in Ladakh for over a decade.

He further emphasized that Ladakh deserves full statehood and the implementation of the Sixth Schedule under Article 244 to ensure protection of local resources, traditions, and representation. “An independent Public Service Commission should be formed for Ladakh to create employment opportunities for local youth,” he added.

‘Voice of the People, Not a Criminal’
Echoing the sentiment, activist Milind Chavan said, “Sonam Wangchuk is not a criminal but the voice of the people of Ladakh. For the last several years, he has been peacefully fighting for the region’s statehood. After Article 370 was abrogated in 2019, Ladakh was made a Union Territory. The BJP had then promised statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule to preserve its culture and autonomy, but no action has been taken in six years.”

Chavan accused the government of attempting to suppress Wangchuk’s democratic movement by portraying him as a lawbreaker.

Students from Ladakh Join in Solidarity
Jigmat Ladol, a student from Ladakh studying at Fergusson College, said, “We have gathered here to demand our rights. Sonam Wangchuk is an inspiration — he invented artificial glaciers, promoted education, and worked tirelessly for environmental protection. He is not responsible for any violence in Ladakh; he has always stood for peace and justice. The government should release him immediately.”

The protest concluded with participants resolving to continue peaceful demonstrations across Pune until Wangchuk and other arrested activists are released and the long-pending demand for Ladakh’s statehood is addressed.