Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk visited Kargil for the first time since her release on March 14 this year. File | Photo credit: The Hindu
Tourism bodies in Ladakh on Sunday (April 5, 2026) passed a joint resolution that highlighted “limited external investment” with “local participation” in the sector. Meanwhile, climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was given a warm welcome in Ladakh’s Kargil district during his tour after being released after nearly six months of incarceration in Jodhpur jail.
“Any concerns regarding the impact of external investment: whether direct, indirect, declared or otherwise; should be addressed through legal means, dialogue and coordinated representation of local communities, trade bodies and associations,” said a resolution passed by the Ladakh Tourist Trade Alliance (LTTA), an amalgam of 14 organizations based in Leh.
The LTTA said that over the past decades, the local population, despite challenging environmental and logistical constraints, has built a resilient and thriving tourism ecosystem including hotels, guesthouses, transport services, adventure tourism and related sectors.
“However, in recent years there has been increasing pressure from large external businesses and private interests to enter and dominate the tourism sector in Ladakh,” the LTTA said.
She described such developments as “a serious threat not only to the fragile environment, but also to the limited economic opportunities available to the local population”.
“Unregulated external investment risks displacing local stakeholders, disrupting traditional livelihoods and destabilizing the socio-economic balance of the region,” he added.
In a joint resolution, the LTTE emphasized the need to preserve Ladakh as a unique and sensitive tourist destination. “Livelihoods, business opportunities and economic interests of local people must be protected and prioritized through the promotion of policies, community-led initiatives and responsible tourism practices,” the resolution said.
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The LTTA emphasized that Ladakh is an “extremely fragile ecosystem characterized by harsh winters and a short working season”.
Meanwhile, climate activist Sonam Wangchuk visited Kargil for the first time since his release on March 14 this year. Mr. Wangchuk spent nearly six months in Jodhpur jail under the National Security Act (NSA) following street protests in Leh last year over demands for the Sixth Schedule and statehood.
The Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), an amalgam of Muslim socio-religious groups supporting the demands of the Sixth Schedule and statehood, welcomed Mr. Wangchuk to Kargil. Mr. Wangchuk shared his experiences from prison with local residents and emphasized the unity of Ladakh, which includes Muslims and Buddhists, in their common struggle.
“Ladakhis have been described as anti-national, which is unwarranted. The people of Ladakh are deeply patriotic and seek only constitutional guarantees and protection of their country, culture and environment,” Mr Wangchuk said.
Mr. Wangchuk expressed hope for a “constructive and meaningful discussion” between the Center and representatives of Ladakh and stressed that dialogue was the only viable path. “There is a need for an open dialogue with the Center for Middle Path Solutions,” he added.
Published – 05 April 2026 19:35 IST
