Centre Mishandling Ladakh Situation, Wangchuk’s Arrest ‘Unnecessary’, Says Senior Congress Leader G.A. Mir

SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 26: Senior Congress leader and AICC General Secretary G.A. Mir on Thursday strongly criticized the Union Government’s handling of the volatile situation in Ladakh, calling the arrest of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk “unnecessary” and a reflection of administrative mismanagement. Speaking to reporters in Anantnag, he said the series of decisions taken by the Centre, from permitting to later revoking foreign funding for Wangchuk’s initiatives, had created confusion and conveyed a sense of inconsistency in the government’s approach. “First permission was granted, and now it has been cancelled. This contradictory stance gives the impression that while one government supported it, the current dispensation has reversed that decision. It reflects a total mishandling of the Ladakh issue,” Mir said.

Condemning Wangchuk’s arrest, Mir noted that the activist himself had warned that such a move could further aggravate tensions in the region. “His arrest was not only unnecessary but also counterproductive,” he remarked, emphasizing that Wangchuk is widely respected for his Gandhian values and commitment to the people of Ladakh. “He has consistently spoken for the rights and aspirations of Ladakhis and has done so peacefully,” Mir added.

The Congress leader highlighted that the people of Ladakh, particularly in Leh, have historically been peace-loving and non-violent. He said the recent incident of violence, which left four people dead and several injured, could have been handled more sensitively. “It was well known that a group of activists had been on a prolonged hunger strike in Leh, pressing for long-pending demands, and that some participants’ deteriorating health had triggered an emotional response from the youth. This should have been anticipated and managed with care,” Mir said.

He further pointed out that the situation spiraled out of control not because of any deliberate attempt at confrontation but due to the government’s failure to engage meaningfully and respond in time. According to him, the unrest was rooted in legitimate grievances, including demands for statehood and constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule  issues that have remained unresolved for over five years.

Rejecting allegations that the Congress party played any role in the violence, Mir clarified that the agitation was “entirely non-political” and that his party had deliberately stayed away from it. “This movement belongs to the people of Ladakh, and they have carried it forward peacefully and independently. Attempts to politicize it or link it to any party are misleading,” he asserted.