Sonam Wangchuk clarifies Ladakh-Tibet comparison, apologises
Quick Look
Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk apologised for comparing Ladakh to Tibet after the Central Tibetan Administration objected, clarifying he meant only to highlight the violence in Leh on Sept 24 last year and did not intend to hurt Tibetans, while affirming his opposition to Chinese repression.
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Why It Matters
Sonam Wangchuk, a Ladakh-based climate activist and member of the Leh Apex Body, had compared the situation in Ladakh to Tibet during a speech marking the first anniversary of the Sept 24 police firing on protesters demanding Sixth Schedule status and statehood, in which four people were killed and nearly 90 injured.
Sonam Wangchuk clarifies Ladakh-Tibet comparison, apologises
SRINAGAR: Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk walked back his comparison between Ladakh and Tibet, saying he meant only to highlight the gravity of the violence in Leh on Sept 24 last year and had no intention of hurting Tibetans. The Leh Apex Body member apologised Saturday after the Central Tibetan Administration in Dharamshala objected to his remarks as “misplaced and inaccurate”. “I was only comparing a specific incident on a particular day and of course not with decades of sufferings that Tibetan people have gone through,” Wangchuk said. “I have no intentions whatsoever to cause any hurt to anyone, least my dear Tibetan friends... I deeply apologise from the core of my heart,” he said in a Facebook post. CTA spokesperson Tenzin Lekshay said Friday that comparing Ladakh with Tibet was inaccurate. “Tibet continues to remain under China’s authoritarian rule,” he said, adding that Tibetans face systematic repression of fundamental rights and religious freedom, along with measures aimed at erasing their distinct cultural identity. Wangchuk made the comparison Thursday while addressing people in Leh on the first anniversary of Sept 24 police firing on protesters demanding Sixth Schedule status and statehood. Four people were killed and nearly 90 injured after demonstrations turned violent. He said he feared an “encounter” for speaking out against what he called atrocities in Ladakh. “Today, such atrocities are being committed in Ladakh that even China is not doing in Tibet,” he had said.
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On Saturday, the activist said he understood the suffering of Tibetans and had “always opposed Chinese repression”, but contended that those who witnessed Sept 24 violence in Leh might understand his comparison. Wangchuk said in the town of about 20,000 people, four were killed and one died by suicide, while 75 were arrested and faced charges, including attempt to murder. He also alleged the violence was “stage managed” and occurred without firing orders.
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What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Sonam Wangchuk will issue further clarifications or participate in dialogue with Tibetan groups
Likely · Within weeks
Open Questions
- Whether the Leh Apex Body will take disciplinary action against Wangchuk
- If the Central Tibetan Administration will accept the apology formally
- Whether protests for Sixth Schedule status will resume
