What caused Ladakh protests? Sonam Wangchuk, Congress councilor Phuntsog Stanzin Tsepag under scrutiny

As normalcy returns to Ladakh, which saw the protest for statehood descend into violence and arson killing four, allegations have surfaced that the unrest was fueled by  “youth’s frustration” but by "political motives."

The protest for statehood and extension of the Sixth Schedule to Ladakh, led by  climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, turned violent after agitators indulged in arson and vandalism, setting ablaze the BJP office and the Hill Council. The Union Home Ministry  claimed Wangchuk’s ‘provocative’ statements, where he mentioned “GenZ protest and Arab spring”, were responsible for this.

Now, the BJP has alleged that the person who started the violence was Congress Councilor Phuntsog Stanzin Tsepag. According to BJP MP Sambit Patra, Tsepag is the main instigator. “Today, in Ladakh, attempts were made to portray some protests as being led by Gen  Z. However, when investigated, it was discovered that these protests were not led by Gen Z, but by Congress. Congress councillor Stanzing Tsepang is the councillor from the Upper Leh ward,” Patra said.  

“Numerous photos have surfaced of him and his workers instigating the violence. He can also be seen marching towards the BJP office with a weapon in his hand. He is instigating the mob and targeting the BJP office,” Patra added.

Former Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police (DGP) SP Vaid also hinted at “political conspiracy”, stating the timing of the violence was also dubious as the talks between the Centre and the Ladakh leadership were scheduled for September 25 and October 6. “Despite this, the situation turned violent,” Vaid told ANI.  

Vaid cited Sonam Wangchuk's previous comments in which he compared the Ladakh conflict to Nepal's Generation Z protests. “Consider Sonam Wangchuk's Arab Spring remarks. He praises Generation Z's overthrow of the Nepal government. This appears to be a deeply ingrained conspiracy. Strict action should be taken. He should be booked under the Public Safety Act and charged with inciting violence," Vaid added. 

Also read: Sonam Wangchuk's 'provocative' remarks led to Ladakh violence: MHA

Sonam Wangchuk’s response

Wangchuk claims the violence was fuelled by the BJP’s ‘U-turns’ on promises the party had made in 2020 and youth unemployment in the region. He condemned the violence but called it “out of the blue” and “very organic” and triggered by the worsening health of fellow hunger strikers.

He dismissed claims that the protests were politically motivated, adding that the youth were frustrated because they had been jobless for the last five years, with almost no job opportunities at higher levels. “Besides, democracy has been curtailed. Their demands have been unmet,” he said. He said the Congress party was not competent enough for one of theirs to call 5,000 people. “That would be too much credit for their influence,” Wangchuk said.