Did Sonam Wangchuk Compare Leh Unrest To Nepal Gen Z Protest And Arab Spring?
Leh in Ladakh witnessed the frustration of youth turning into violence on Wednesday, September 24, as long-running protests over statehood and Sixth Schedule safeguards spiralled into chaos.
At least four people were killed in police firing, and over 60 were injured when demonstrators clashed with security forces, set the BJP office ablaze, and torched a CRPF vehicle.
The administration imposed a curfew in Leh district to prevent further escalation, while security forces tightened vigil across sensitive areas.
Read also: BJP Office Set On Fire: Violent Clash Erupts In Ladakh Over Statehood Demand, Curfew Imposed
The youth-led unrest broke out. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has been fasting for the last 15 days in order to demand statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, which would guarantee protection for land, jobs, and tribal identity.
After the unprecedented event, Wangchuk expressed deep disappointment and urged the youth to resort to the peaceful path as the violence damages the very cause of the long-term struggle and peaceful agitation.
Wangchuk said that the recent unrest in Leh was a reflection of the youth against the ruling BJP government. He described the outburst as ‘GenZ frustration’. “Youth have remained unemployed for the past five years, and Ladakh has been denied the status of a separate state”, he said.
While calling the unemployed youth a recipe for unrest, and also denying their democratic rights, Wangchuk said, “There is no platform of democracy in Ladakh; also, the protection pronounced to be given under Schedule Six was not given yet”.
Read also: Zubeen Garg Death: Assam Bans Syamkanu Mahanta, Linked Firms From Holding Events
However, Network18 Editor Rahul Shivshankar alleged that Wangchuk to face action as the centre is examining the statement of the climate activist for drawing a comparison between the Nepal GenZ protest and the Arab Spring.
SONAM WANGCHUK TO FACE ACTION?
Centre examining Wangchuk’s provocative statements drawing comparisons with Nepal Gen Z protest and Arab Spring revolt.
Input: @Arunima24 pic.twitter.com/PFNhDrHzZB
— Rahul Shivshankar (@RShivshankar) September 24, 2025
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) alleged that the violence was not spontaneous but politically orchestrated by the Congress. BJP MP Sambit Patra claimed that Congress councillor Stanzing Tsepang from Upper Leh ward was seen leading the mob, even “marching with a weapon” toward the BJP office.
Notably, Nepal’s Gen Z movement and Arab Spring were youth-led movements that emerged as a result of the ruling government’s apathy and lack of concern. Whereas youth demanded employment, basic rights, and democratic setups to be installed. Both movements led to the toppling of the respective governments of the countries in Nepal and the Arab nations.
