Several political and social organisations in Ladakh have announced a shutdown and protests today, even after the Centre revoked the National Security Act against activist Sonam Wangchuk and ordered his release. Wangchuk, one of the most prominent faces of recent protests in the region, had been detained under the NSA in September last year.
The demonstrations are expected to take place in Leh and Kargil, with protestors reiterating long-standing demands for full statehood for Ladakh and constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India.
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Leaders of the Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance welcomed Wangchuk’s release but clarified that it would not change their core demands. They said the agitation, which had been paused for nearly six months, would now resume with renewed focus on securing statehood and tribal protections for the region.
The region had witnessed a major round of protests in September last year, which turned violent and led to clashes between demonstrators and security forces. During the unrest, four people were killed after security personnel opened fire.
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