Sonam Wangchuk Calls for Trust-Building Measures Ahead of Home Minister’s Ladakh Visit.

Leh, Ladakh:

Prominent educationist, environmentalist, and social reform advocate Sonam Wangchuk has issued a strong appeal to the Union Government ahead of the Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s scheduled visit to Ladakh, describing it as a “golden opportunity” for rebuilding trust and initiating meaningful dialogue in the region.

The statement follows a key meeting of the Apex Body Leh, which concluded with a press conference outlining a set of urgent demands aimed at addressing recent tensions and grievances among the local population.

Key Demands Raised

Members of the Apex Body Leh unanimously urged the Home Minister to take forward the government’s stated intent of “mutual trust building” and “meaningful constructive dialogue”—principles referenced in the NSA revocation order concerning Wangchuk—by announcing concrete steps prior to his arrival.

Among the primary demands:

Unconditional withdrawal of legal cases against 83 individuals arrested following the September 24 incidents. According to the Apex Body, many of those detained were innocent, including members of religious organizations who had intervened to prevent violence.

Compensation for victims of police action, including families of four individuals who lost their lives and approximately 80 others who sustained severe injuries or permanent disabilities. The statement alleges that the police firing was carried out indiscriminately and without proper authorization.

Call for Structured Dialogue

The Apex Body also emphasized the need for institutional dialogue, requesting that the Home Minister convene a meeting of the High Powered Committee during his two-day visit. The proposed meeting would include representatives from both Apex Body Leh and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), under the direct chairmanship of the Home Minister.

A Critical Moment for Ladakh

Wangchuk highlighted that the upcoming visit presents a rare chance to bridge the trust deficit between the government and the people of Ladakh. He stressed that proactive measures and transparent dialogue could pave the way for long-term peace, stability, and cooperation in the region.

The appeal underscores growing calls from civil society groups in Ladakh for justice, accountability, and greater participation in decision-making processes affecting the region’s future.