Sonam Wangchuk Accuses Centre of Backtracking on Assurances to Ladakh

Climate and environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk has accused the Union government of backtracking on assurances allegedly given to Ladakh’s representatives in May 2026, raising fresh concerns about the region’s political future. Wangchuk said discussions with the Centre had focused on securing a Union Territory with an elected legislature and constitutional safeguards for Ladakh. However, he argued that the government’s latest proposal falls short of those expectations, particularly in terms of the legislature’s powers and its control over administration.

The latest round of talks reportedly failed to yield a breakthrough. Wangchuk has called for an elected legislature, stronger safeguards for Ladakh’s land and cultural identity, and greater democratic rights for local residents. Disagreements over the Centre’s position and the proposed governance framework remain unresolved, keeping demands for greater political representation and constitutional protection in focus.