In Focus by The Hindu How Ladakh’s peaceful protests turned violent and led to Sonam Wangchuk’s arrest
25 snips
Sep 28, 2025 Peerzada Ashiq, a Kashmir-based journalist from The Hindu, delves into the escalating protests in Ladakh that turned violent, leading to the arrest of Sonam Wangchuk, a prominent engineer and climate activist. He highlights the community's demand for statehood and constitutional protections amid fears over new domicile laws. Ashiq also discusses the impact of limited governance powers within Hill Councils and the youth's mobilization against perceived governmental failures. The conversation underscores the fragile balance of identity, environment, and local governance in the region.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Unprecedented Anger After 2019 Changes
- Ladakh's recent agitation is unprecedented and the first deadly protest in 37 years.
- The violence reflected deep frustration with institutions and broken expectations after 2019 changes.
Union Territory Without A Legislature
- The 2019 removal of Article 370 left Ladakh as a union territory without a legislature.
- That arrangement stripped locals of legislative power and concentrated authority in the centre.
Domicile Rules Are Executive, Not Permanent
- New domicile rules were issued by executive order and not constitutional amendment.
- Locals fear these executive domiciles can be changed or withdrawn by the centre anytime.