3 Things Sonam Wangchuk’s detention, Uttarakhand exam row, and Modi on Meloni's memoir
Sep 30, 2025
Deeptiman Tiwary, a journalist from The Indian Express, sheds light on the tumultuous protests in Ladakh, sparked by demands for statehood and leading to the detention of activist Sonam Wangchuk. Aiswarya Raj delves into the Uttarakhand recruitment exam scandal, exposing a paper leak scheme that has ignited fierce student protests. They also reflect on Prime Minister Modi's role in writing the foreword for Giorgia Meloni's memoir, discussing its implications for India-Italy relations and shared nationalist sentiments.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
UT Status Increased Alienation
- Ladakh's shift to a Union Territory left residents feeling more disconnected from decision-makers in Delhi than from Srinagar.
- This administrative gap fueled renewed demands for statehood and local political representation.
Local Autonomy Drives Demands
- Protesters demand statehood plus special protections like Sixth Schedule and a local public service commission.
- These demands aim to secure autonomy over local laws, resources, and recruitment for Ladakh's youth.
Fast Turned Massive And Violent
- A small fast grew into a 7,500-strong protest after viral videos of sick participants and a youth call-to-join.
- Some youth broke off and turned the rally violent, torching offices and triggering police firing that killed four people.
