VOL News Desk/ Environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk visited Kargil on Sunday, where he received a warm welcome from the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA). A large public gathering was held at Gandhi Park in Baroo, drawing significant participation from local residents.
Addressing the gathering, Wangchuk expressed gratitude to the people of Kargil, noting that they raised their voices when conditions in Leh were not favourable. He also acknowledged the support extended to him during his detention by local residents, political leaders, and youth groups.

Referring to developments after September 4, he said that Chering Dorjay Lakruk played a key role in stabilising the situation in Leh, while Kargil residents demonstrated strong solidarity. Wangchuk reiterated the demand for statehood for Ladakh and constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule.
He added that he has been supporting the demands of the Ladakh Apex Body and KDA for the past five years, stressing that unity across Ladakh is crucial at this juncture.

Other speakers, including Haji Asgar Ali Karbalai and representatives of Apex Body and KDA, also addressed the gathering, describing the ongoing movement as a struggle for public rights.
Following the rally, Wangchuk addressed a press conference, defending the ongoing movement in Ladakh. He stated that the demand for statehood and Sixth Schedule protections is both constitutional and democratic.

He made it clear that he would not hesitate to join negotiations with the Centre if required.
Wangchuk, who was released on March 14 after nearly six months in detention under the National Security Act, said talks with the government have been ongoing for the past five to six years but have yielded no results due to what he described as the “rigid approach of the other side.”
“No party should assume that it alone will win. The need is for a middle path that benefits both sides,” he said.

He stressed that dialogue must be conducted with openness and sincerity, warning that ignoring Ladakh’s demands in future talks would raise serious concerns.
On his inclusion in any negotiation team with the Centre, Wangchuk said: “Where I am not needed, I would prefer others to step forward. But if required, I will not step back.”
He expressed hope that the ongoing protests would lead to a constructive and amicable resolution, enabling the people of Ladakh to contribute more effectively to national development.
Responding to charges previously invoked against him under the National Security Act, Wangchuk termed the situation concerning.

He said that if allegations against someone working in education, environment, and military-related initiatives are made, it raises serious questions.
Referring to a video of his arrest, he added: “If the charges were valid, I should not have been released. If they are not, they should be clearly withdrawn.”

He warned that baseless allegations about Ladakh could create divisions among people, particularly in a region known for its contributions to national defence, including sacrifices made during the Kargil War.
Wangchuk said the withdrawal of NSA charges against him should be seen as a step toward building trust and enabling meaningful dialogue.
“We look forward to progress in that direction,” he said.

On the future course of the movement, he said the leadership would take decisions collectively, expressing hope that the coming period would be marked by positivity rather than confrontation.
In recent months, Ladakh has witnessed intensified public mobilisation over demands for statehood and constitutional safeguards, with multiple political, social, and civil society organisations actively participating.