Ladakh Unrest: Sonam Wangchuk Demands Justice for Civilian Deaths Amidst Mining Protest

A passionate plea for justice is reverberating across Ladakh as renowned environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk, supported by advocate Nazir Ahmad, forcefully demands an independent judicial inquiry into the tragic deaths of two civilians in Leh. The incident, which occurred during a heated protest against alleged illegal mining, has ignited widespread concern and calls for accountability.

The peaceful demonstration on January 29 took a devastating turn when Tsewang Dorjey and Tsering Namgail lost their lives, allegedly due to police firing.

The protestors had gathered near the banks of the vital Indus River in Khaltse, voicing their strong opposition to what they claimed was illicit mining activity by a private company. The serene landscape of Ladakh was abruptly disrupted by clashes, teargas, lathi-charges, and ultimately, live ammunition, leaving the community reeling.

Sonam Wangchuk, a voice synonymous with environmental advocacy and local rights in Ladakh, expressed profound dismay over the incident.

He highlighted the crucial significance of the Indus River, the lifeline of Ladakh, emphasizing that any threat to it is a threat to the very existence of the region. Wangchuk vehemently questioned the necessity and proportionality of the force used, stating, "Why was live ammunition used? Why were people shot when they were protesting peacefully against illegal mining, which threatens our very existence?" His concerns extend beyond the immediate tragedy, focusing on the broader implications for human rights and environmental protection in the sensitive Himalayan region.

Advocate Nazir Ahmad echoed Wangchuk's sentiments, stressing the absolute imperative for an impartial and independent judicial inquiry.

"The families of the deceased deserve to know the truth, and those responsible for ordering such disproportionate force must be held accountable," Ahmad stated. He underscored the need for transparency and justice, rejecting any internal police investigation as insufficient to address the gravity of the situation.

Beyond the demand for an inquiry, Wangchuk and Ahmad are also pressing for immediate compensation for the grieving families of the deceased.

They further call for the unconditional release of all individuals arrested during the protest, including Stanzin Norbu, and insist on the protection of every citizen's fundamental right to peaceful protest without fear of violence or arbitrary detention.

The protest itself was a culmination of growing local resentment, organized by the Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA) and other key organizations.

It underscores the deep-seated anxieties among the local populace regarding the unchecked exploitation of natural resources and the perceived lack of governmental protection for their environment and livelihoods. As Ladakh grapples with this painful episode, the unified call for justice from prominent figures like Sonam Wangchuk and Nazir Ahmad amplifies the urgent need for a thorough investigation and a renewed commitment to upholding human rights and environmental integrity in the Union Territory.