Leh, Ladakh: Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk on Thursday, September 24, demanded the resignation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah over last year's violence in Leh that killed four people. Wangchuk was addressing a gathering in Leh on the first anniversary of the September 24, 2025 violence, which broke out during protests for statehood and Sixth Schedule safeguards for Ladakh.
What Wangchuk Said
"Today, from Ladakh, I say — Amit Shah should resign. He has to take responsibility for what happened in Ladakh," Wangchuk said, according to PTI. He alleged that security personnel used automatic weapons, including AK-47s, against local youth, who were later labelled "anti-national."
Wangchuk also said he feared he could be killed in an "encounter" for speaking out against the government, and that he had received warnings about threats to his life. He said a "People's Tribunal" would be formed to investigate the police firing if the report on the incident was not released.
On Rahul Gandhi's Demand
Wangchuk backed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's demand for Shah's resignation, which Gandhi made over police action against students at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. But he also questioned why Gandhi had not raised the Ladakh deaths in the same way. "Rahul Gandhi stood up and asked how such weapons could be used against students, demanding Amit Shah's resignation. I support that," Wangchuk said, before asking what about Ladakh, where he said people were killed by automatic weapons fire.
Background
Leh-based and Kargil-based groups have campaigned for years for statehood and Sixth Schedule constitutional protections for Ladakh. Wangchuk has long accused the Centre of not keeping promises made to the region. In April 2024, he alleged that Shah had told Ladakh leaders at a meeting that he would not grant the Sixth Schedule or statehood even if the Prime Minister asked him to. The Home Ministry has not confirmed that account.
Following last year's violence, Wangchuk was arrested under the National Security Act on accusations of inciting the unrest. He was released in March 2026.
Police Statement
Police said permission had been granted to the Ladakh Buddhist Association to hold Thursday's meeting at the NDS ground in Leh, and that fewer than 800 people attended. They said no one was stopped from reaching the venue and that barricades in the city were only for traffic and crowd management.
Sources
PTI (via ThePrint and Siasat), Free Press Journal, The Governance Post, The Tribune (2024 allegation).
Latest Development
As of September 25, neither Amit Shah nor the Home Ministry has publicly responded to Wangchuk's demand. This story will be updated if a response is issued.