"Cautioned to abjure from weaving misleading, provocative narrative": Ladakh LG meets Sonam Wangchuk, Gitanjali Angmo
Leh, May 26
Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena on Tuesday cautioned climate activist Sonam Wangchuk against spreading a "misleading narrative" and comparing the Union Territory to the violence-hit Manipur.
LG VK Saxena met with Sonam Wangchuk and Gitanjali Angmo following a round of talks between Ladakh's umbrella civil and political bodies, Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance, and the Union Home Ministry.
VK Saxena stated that Wangchuk agreed to revisit his stand on the Cockroach Janata Party movement.
Saxena posted on X, "Had a candid exchange with Shri Sonam Wangchuk and Smt. Gitanjali Angmo in the backdrop of the constructive dialogue in the Union Home Ministry. We agreed that an air of positivity, both in terms of development initiatives and political dialogue, needs to be maintained. I cautioned Shri Wangchuk to abjure from weaving a misleading and provocative narrative, which vitiates public discourse."
"Democratic expression must not be taken as license for fabricating falsehoods and rabble rousing. He accepted that comparing the situation of Ladakh with Manipur was an error of judgement. He also said that he was unsure of the origins of the Cockroach Party and would study the motivations of its founders and revisit his stand, if necessary," he added.
He also suggested Wangchuk against the rallies and protests amid "positive developments" in the talks with the Centre.
"I also highlighted that repeated rallies and protests, despite positive developments initiated by the Centre, will have a negative impact on economic activities in the tourism space, which is the backbone of Ladakh. Shri Wangchuk appreciated the positive development initiatives like Him Sarovar project, restoration of Igoo Phey Canal, construction of Mahe - Topko Canal and massive plantation drives, undertaken in the recent days," the post read.
On May 23, Wangchuk shared that Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) reached an In-Principle Understanding with the Centre on restoring democracy in Ladakh and providing constitutional safeguards on the lines of Article 371 A, F, and G, as applied to Nagaland, Sikkim and Mizoram.
He said that they reached a "broad consensus" with the Centre to have a "tailor-made legislative body that will have executive, financial and law-making powers and have safeguards under Article 371 of the Constitution. The elected leader of the legislative body will have overall control over the Chief Secretary and the rest of bureaucracy."
As per his statement, Ladakh will be accorded full statehood when it has enough revenue of its own to support the operational expenses, including salaries and pensions of government employees.
— ANI
Reader Comments
I support Sonam Wangchuk's passion for Ladakh's rights, but he needs to be careful with words. Comparing Ladakh to Manipur was improper, especially when the Centre is already in talks. However, the LG calling his movement 'Cockroach Janata Party' sounds dismissive. Let's maintain respect in dialogue.
LG Saxena is absolutely right. Wangchuk's hunger strikes and protests were creating unnecessary tension. The Centre has promised legislative body and safeguards—let's give peace a chance. Tourism is Ladakh's lifeline, these disruptions will only harm locals. Good to see Wangchuk is reconsidering. 👍
Honestly, I'm conflicted. Wangchuk has been fighting for Ladakh's rights for years, and his methods have brought attention. But comparing to Manipur was a blunder—those are two different worlds. I hope the 'Cockroach Party' thing isn't used to dismiss genuine concerns. Development is good, but democracy matters too.
Interesting meeting. As an outsider, I see Wangchuk as a legitimate environmental and political activist. Comparing regions was ill-advised, but the LG's tone seems heavy-handed. Democratic expression must be allowed even during 'positive developments.' Hope both sides continue talking. The Him Sarovar project sounds promising.
Finally some maturity! Wangchuk admitting his mistake about Manipur is a step forward. Ladakh needs development without compromising its culture—these canals and plantation drives are great. But full statehood only when revenue is sufficient? That might keep Ladakh dependent for decades. Need fair timeline.
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