Returning to Leh after being released from custody, climate activist Sonam Wangchuk on Sunday (March 22, 2026) said the Ladakh movement would remain peaceful and expressed hope for constructive engagement of all stakeholders.
Noting that “a lot has gone wrong” in Ladakh, Mr Wangchuk said the focus should now be on correcting past mistakes rather than dwelling on them, and called for relief for those still facing legal action over the Ladakh agitation.
Mr. Wangchuk was accorded a grand reception at Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport on Sunday (March 22, 2026). Members of Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) and a large number of supporters gathered to welcome him at the airport.
“A new step has been taken and we see it as positive. Even if some people say it’s a defeat or a victory, we don’t want to see it that way,” he told reporters.
Mr. Wangchuk said the situation should not be seen as victory or defeat, but as an opportunity to move forward through mutual cooperation.
He also expressed hope that both sides would respond with greater openness to build trust and resolve outstanding issues. “If they take one step there, we take two here; if we take two, they take four – that’s our expectation from those involved,” said the climate activist.
He reiterated his call for dialogue and a cooperative approach to address the aspirations of the people of Ladakh.
Mr. Wangchuk said he hoped the emerging “new atmosphere” would bring relief to prisoners and ensure a fair resolution of the backlog.
Read | Nothing at all: On the release of Sonam Wangchuk, Ladakh
“I hope that when these dark clouds clear, a new dawn will come for them as well. Their treatment should be provided as soon as possible and the cases against them should be dealt with properly,” he said.
He also called for remembering those who lost their lives during the agitation and supporting the injured by helping them return to work, describing such moves as a meaningful recognition of their sacrifices.
“It feels right because I believe that not only after the release from jail, but also from the overall atmosphere that I see, I hope that things will come together positively. I have witnessed the love of the people of Ladakh, especially from the way of reception today and the efforts made by the Apex body and KDA,” he said.
Noting that “a lot has gone wrong” in Ladakh, Mr Wangchuk said the focus should now be on correcting past mistakes rather than dwelling on them.
“Even if the whole day goes wrong, we should still try to consciously make it better. With that hope, I want to stay positive,” he said.
As for the possibility of new protests, Mr Wangchuk said he hoped such a situation would not arise and said any future movement would remain peaceful.
“If so, we will follow the path of justice, truth and peace. We will not deviate from peace or truth,” he said.
He emphasized that his struggle was not personal, but aimed at solving the broader problems facing Ladakh. “It’s important that the issue wins, even if it seems like I’m losing. I’m going to keep trying because otherwise it becomes a cycle that doesn’t teach anyone anything.” Wangchuk insisted that future talks on Ladakh issues should be conducted in a positive spirit of “give and take” and urged all parties to avoid rigid positions.
He also expressed hope that the prevailing atmosphere would lead to constructive results, saying the overwhelming public support reflected the people’s desires for unity and progress.
“Our message has always been to understand the emotions of all sides through struggle and dialogue. I hope the recent developments will be satisfactory to all,” he said.
Mr. Wangchuk emphasized the need to learn from past events. “Learning is more important than revenge or retribution. We should remember, learn and move forward.” The activist said he plans to meet the families of those who died during the protests to greet them and thank them for their sacrifices.
Read | Sonam Wangchuk fueled violence by referring to Nepal, Bangladesh and Arab Spring: Center told SC
Responding to slogans hailing him as a “lion”, Mr Wangchuk said he prefers to compare himself to a donkey, which symbolizes patience, perseverance and service, adding that he was inspired by ants for their spirit of collective work and sacrifice for the community.
Describing the recent decisions as a significant turning point, Mr Wangchuk said they reflected a growing awareness of past mistakes and expressed hope that Ladakh would now move towards a more positive future.
The activist was released from Jodhpur Central Jail after the government canceled his detention under the NSA. He has been in custody since September 26, 2025.
Published – 23 March 2026 03:33 IST
