Leh, June 20, 2026 : The Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) on Saturday defended climate activist and education reform advocate Sonam Wangchuk’s participation in a recent protest in New Delhi, asserting that he attended the event in his personal capacity and that his engagement with national issues would not dilute Ladakh’s ongoing movement for constitutional and democratic safeguards.
The clarification came amid discussions over Wangchuk’s participation in a June 6 protest in Delhi organized by supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), where demonstrators raised concerns related to alleged irregularities in examinations and recruitment processes and demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
The issue was discussed during a core group meeting of the LAB and KDA held in Leh on Friday evening. The meeting was attended by LAB Co-Chairman Chering Dorjay, KDA Co-Chairman Asgar Ali Karbalai, Member of Parliament Haneefa Jan, and Sonam Wangchuk.
Addressing reporters, Chering Dorjay clarified that Wangchuk had not represented the Leh Apex Body at the Delhi event.
“Wangchuk had not attended the Delhi event as a representative of the Apex Body. He is a national figure. He is not merely a leader from Ladakh but also an environmentalist whose work is recognised across the country. He attended in his personal capacity,” Dorjay said.
He further stated that the matter was discussed comprehensively during the core group meeting and that there was broad consensus that participation in discussions on national issues, including education and environmental concerns, should not be viewed negatively.
“There is nothing wrong with engaging on national issues. If anything, such engagement can only strengthen and benefit our movement rather than harm it,” he added.
KDA Co-Chairman Asgar Ali Karbalai also rejected suggestions that Wangchuk’s involvement in broader national issues reflected a lack of focus on Ladakh’s concerns.
“If there is anyone who has consistently taken Ladakh’s concerns to national and international platforms, it is Sonam Wangchuk,” Karbalai remarked.
The leaders expressed dissatisfaction over the pace of progress in talks with the Union Government regarding Ladakh’s long-standing demands, including constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule and restoration of democratic mechanisms in the Union Territory.
Karbalai said that despite several rounds of discussions over the past five years, there had been little tangible progress on key issues.
“If the Government of India and the Ministry of Home Affairs continue to remain unresponsive, holding meetings and talks without producing concrete outcomes, we will have to explore other avenues,” he said.
He indicated that both the LAB and KDA may consider engaging with a wider range of stakeholders across the country, including political parties, civil society groups, and other organisations, to garner support for Ladakh’s concerns.
According to Karbalai, if national platforms help amplify the voice of Ladakh and bring greater attention to the region’s demands, there should be no objection to participating in such forums.
The remarks come at a crucial time as representatives of the LAB and KDA continue their dialogue with the Centre while seeking clarity and progress on issues relating to statehood, constitutional protections, employment safeguards, and preservation of Ladakh’s unique cultural and environmental identity.
The organisations reiterated their commitment to pursuing Ladakh’s aspirations through peaceful, democratic, and constitutional means while continuing engagement with stakeholders at both regional and national levels.
