– Ejaz Ahmed Aslam
Ladakh is on fire because of our irresponsible politicians. It is always election time in India. More so because the BJP is worried owing to its multiple failures on almost all fronts. Bihar and Assam will shortly go through Assembly elections. Bihar’s election is strategically important for the ruling BJP.
PM Modi at last took one correct step when he paid a visit to Manipur which has been on hot coals for the last two years.
Modi and his lieutenant Amit Shah should either have not promised statehood to Ladakh or they should have honoured this promise of granting of statehood to the Union Territory.
Sonam Wangchuk is a world renowned scientist, human rights activist, humanist and acknowledged follower of Gandhi and his peaceful satyagraha tradition. In short, Wangchuk is a genius who has earned the respect and praise which he deserves for his selfless and sincere service to his people. He spent his entire earning which runs in crores for the welfare of Ladakhi people.
For the last six years Mr. Wangchuk has been demanding from the central government fulfilment of the promise of statehood. Previously also, he along with his sincere followers walked from Leh to Delhi on foot to press for his demand of recognition for Ladakh. He was shabbily treated when he reached Indian capital. He never got any reasonable response for his genuine demands.
Currently he was on fast with a group of his followers. The central government turned a blind eye to his demands. On 24 September the condition of two of his colleagues who were on fast unto death became very critical and they had to be hospitalised. The Gen Z (young men between 18-28 years) of the region is facing highest unemployment in the entire country. It must be noted that more than 90% youth of the small Union Territory are highly educated and have been facing highest unemployment in the whole country. The wait and see policy and delaying tactics of the central government enraged the Gen Z and they lost patience. The authorities unfortunately did not act wisely and resorted to violence. The police opened fire which resulted in 4 deaths and fatal injuries to scores of youth. A little more restraint and skilful handling of the situation could have resulted in peaceful solution. The leader Wangchuk who is a strong believer in nonviolence and rule of law genuinely regretted, disapproved and condemned the violence which some youth resorted to. He immediately announced the suspension of the protest and broke his own fast also.
The BJP government again committed the mistake of arresting Wangchuk under the infamous Public Safety Act (PSA). Finally he was sent to Jodhpur Central Jail.
The central government is pursuing repressive policies in the neighbouring J&K Union Territory also, which was deprived of its statehood in 2019. During the recent visit to J&K I found strong frustration and resentment in this border state also. It is high time the central government streamlined its policies, adopted realistic, reconciliatory and democratic policies to restore peace and tranquillity throughout the country, especially in the border states of the North East, Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
Repression and highhandedness never solves problems. It leads to further complications and resentment. The ruling party of India must learn this lesson and be sympathetic to the aspirations of the people.
[This piece was published as Editorial in Radiance Viewsweekly, Issue No. 26, dated 5-11 October 2025.]
